Building Regulations

Before starting work, it's worth considering whether Building Regulations will apply to the work you are doing. They first came about as a result of the Fire of London in 1666, and are constantly being updated, so they are something you need to know about. If you ignore them, the issue may cause difficulties when you come to sell the property. Also, if you're found to have breached them, you could be fined up to £5000 for the contravention, and up to £50 for each day the contravention continues after conviction.

If you are planning to carry out 'Building Work' as defined, then it must comply with the Building Regulations. This normally means seeking approval of the work from a Building Control Body, which is usually your Local Authority.

The following types of project amount to 'Building Work':

• The erection or extension of a building
• An alteration project involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the ongoing compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of buildings
• When installing replacement windows using a Builder or window company not FENSA registered
• The installation or extension of a service or fitting which is controlled under the regulations
• The insertion of insulation into a cavity wall
• The underpinning of the foundations of a building
• When you want to change the building's fundamental use

For more information see the government website: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations