Do I need Building Control

Builders in Coulsdon SE London

A full breakdown of The Building Regulations 2010 can be found at the bottom of this page, please refer to the relevant authorities.

What's the difference between Building Regulations and planning permission?

Planning Permission decisions are focused on whether development should go ahead or not, they take into account the appearance of buildings and the impact development will have on the wider local environment. Building Regulations, on the other hand, relate to how a building should be constructed and its safety.

What is Building Control?

UK Building Control, work to make sure all buildings are designed and constructed in line with Building Regulations set out nationally. All local councils have a Building Control department, where Building Control inspectors are usually based.

How do I get Building Regulations approval?

If you're undertaking any building or alteration work within your home, you will need to check whether it needs to be signed off as being compliant with all local Building Regulations.

Some projects that need to comply with Building Regulations must be signed off by Building Control inspectors, including the following:

If you use a local authority Building Control office, there are three types of application:

Full Plans

Full plans are where drawings and other related information are submitted and a formal decision is given.

Building Notice

Building notice where minimal information is submitted and no formal decision is given so the work is inspected while in progress and approved upon completion.

Regularisation

Regularisation is where retrospective approval is sought for work carried out without Building Regulations approval. Once work is underway, the Building Control Service will need to make routine site inspections at various stages of the work. If suitable notice isn't given, Building Control inspectors may ask for work to be opened up for inspection. If you use an Approved Inspector from the private sector, you should jointly notify your local authority that an Approved Inspector is carrying out the building control function.

Sign-off by a Competent Person

There is also a group of projects that need to comply with Building Regulations, these can be self-certified and signed off by the installer themselves if that tradesman is registered with a relevant Competent Person Scheme and passed the required level of competence. Competent Person Schemes were introduced by the government to allow individuals and businesses to self-certify their work with the Building Regulations.

What sort of projects don't need Building Regulations approval at all?

You don't need Building Regulations approval for certain exempt projects including:

What happens if I don't comply with Building Regulations?

If your local authority considers that the building work doesn't comply with Building Regulations, they will not issue a completion certificate, so unless work is rectified, any contraventions will appear in the local land searches for when you sell your property. You may also be subject to enforcement notices and fines.

Conclusion

After the planning permission is approved, or any work carried out under Permitted Development, Smiley Building Services will deal and act on your behalf with the local authorities or private building control company . We will ensure that your project complies with all building regulations and passes all inspections so that you can receive a Completion Certificate without any problems.

Useful Links

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/building-regulations/
https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/when-you-dont-need-approval
https://www.labc.co.uk/advice-building-projects/homeowners/do-i-need-building-regulation-application

Building Control - an explanation

Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to buildings in the UK. Any project you undertake must adhere to them.

The following information, taken from the My Builder website

What are Building Regulations?

Building Regulations are designed to ensure buildings are safe, structurally sound, and water and energy efficient. They must also be constructed in a way that allows access for people with disabilities.

They are grouped into 15 technical categories, from A to Q, known as 'approved documents'. These are:
Part A: Structural safety
Part B: Fire safety
Part C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
Part D: Toxic substances
Part E: Resistance to sound
Part F: Ventilation
Part G: Sanitation, hot water and water efficiency
Part H: Drainage and waste disposal
Part I: Heating and appliances
Part J: Protection from falling, collision and impact
Part K: Conservation of fuel and power
Part L: Access to and use of buildings
Part M: Glazing safety
Part N: Electrical safety
Part O: Security


TRUSTMARK

Smiley Building Services are endorsed by “Trustmark”, who are the only UK Government Endorsed Quality building Scheme for work carried out around your home.

Several motivations fuel TrustMark's mission, chiefly to assist homeowners with implementing energy-saving upgrades in their dwellings and to bolster the level of confidence they possess while engaging in such undertakings. It is imperative to possess a well-defined vision of your intended home improvements, acquaint yourself with the potential expenses and expected duration of projects. Bear in mind that proficient professionals are typically sought after, hence there could be a necessity to be patient in order to secure the services of the ideal tradesperson for your task.


FMB

Smiley Building Services are a full member of Federation of Master Builders, who vet all members as reputable, and certify them as dependable local tradesmen.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) stands as the most prominent trade association for the UK's construction sector, dedicated to representing the interests of small to midsize construction businesses. Its mission is to serve as the definitive directory of reputable, certified, and dependable local craftspeople.

To be part of the FMB, individual contractors and construction enterprises of small to medium scale in the UK must have a business history of at least one year. The FMB isn't exclusive to SME builders alone; if your activities intersect with the SME builder industry and you uphold the FMB's commitment to excellence and industry standards, you may be eligible for FMB associateship. For further information, consider reviewing the criteria for becoming an Associate member.

The FMB separates itself from similar entities by requiring a membership that's not just handed out; it's awarded based on merit. Applicants are subject to a rigorous screening and an unbiased review of their work to ensure standards are met. This meticulous vetting is integral to providing clients with the assurance that they are engaging with a business that upholds quality and excellence in its services.