The Building Regulations cover a wide range of building work from major office, shop and residential developments to small domestic works like extensions, through lounges and loft conversions.

Approved Documents offer guidance on how to comply with the regulations and cover the following aspects of construction:

Part A Structures
Part B Fire
Part C Damproofing
Part D Toxic Substances
Part E Soundproofing
Part F Ventilation
Part G Waste Disposal
Part H Drainage
Part J Heating
Part K Stairs & Guarding
Part L Heat Loss
Part M Disabled Access
Part N Safety Glazing
Part P Electrical Safety

Part P came into effect on 1 January 2005 and covers the installation of new electrical circuits.

Examples of the application of Part P:

Part P applies to electrical installations in buildings or parts of buildings comprising:

dwelling houses and flats;
dwellings and business premises that have a common supply - for example shops and public houses with a flat above;
common access areas in blocks of flats such as corridors and staircases;
shared amenities of blocks of flats such as laundries and gymnasiums.
Part P applies also to parts of the above electrical installations:

in or on land associated with the buildings - for example Part P applies to fixed lighting and
pond pumps in gardens;
in outbuildings such as sheds, detached garages and greenhouses.
This means that new electrical installations carried out either on their own or as part of, for example, a loft conversion or extension need to be certified by a qualified person. The certificate is then sent to us for our records.

If you cannot do this you will need to notify us so that we can inspect the work.

You can view and download full copies of the Building Regulations Approved Documents on the Planning Portal website (page opens in a new window).

Most 'Building Work' comes under our control. This includes things like new buildings, extensions and loft conversions as well as new roofs and through lounges.

Alterations to factories, shops and offices also need our approval under the Full Plans procedure.

If you have any doubts about the work you are planning to do you should consult us first. We can offer expert advice at the design stage which could well save you time and money.

List of the main notifiable work:

New buildings
Loft conversions
Extensions
Through lounges
Chimney breast removals
Roofing
Drainage
Electrical work

Many jobs in the home need to be notified to and approved by Local Authority Building Control unless carried out by an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme.

An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme is qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations and will deal with Building Control issues for you. You will usually have access to insurance backed warranties and a robust complaints procedure
to use in the unlikely event work is found to be non compliant.

An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme will notify the Local Authority on your behalf and will issue you with a certificate on completion which can be used as proof of compliance for the HIP. It will also show up on a solicitors Local Authority search when you sell your home.

If you do not use an installer registered with a competent Person Scheme then you will have to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to have Building Control come and inspect the work you have carried out.

Examples include: FENSA (glazing), GASSAFE (formerly CORGI - gas installations), NICEIC(electrics).

Further guidance can be found in the leaflet below: "Building work, replacements and repairs to your home".

Please note that commercial developments are not covered by the 'competent person' scheme and will therefore probably require a building regulations application to be submitted. Please check with our office if you are unsure and would like advice.

If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well. To find out more, please visit HSE's website (page opens in a new window).