Check if the work needs building regulations approval

You may need building regulations approval if you are building, altering, extending or demolishing a building, though some building works are exempt.

You will probably need building regulations approval for:

  • a new building
  • an extension
  • a loft or garage conversion
  • alterations to the structure of the building
  • home improvements such as new electrics, windows, doors, boilers, bathrooms and fuse boxes 

Renovating your home – a beginners guide to home improvement and the building regulations 

Getting started on your building project – Local Authority Building Control (LABC)

If you do not get approval before you start work, you may have to pay to fix any issues we find.

Front Door by LABC

The Front Door website helps answer homeowners' questions when planning home improvement projects.

You will find useful advice on:

  • home improvements
  • planning permission
  • building regulations
  • contracts
  • working with builders, designers and more

Replacing windows

You need approval to replace windows. You do not need approval to replace broken glass. 

You should check with your installer to ensure that they are registered with FENSA. If so, the installer can self certify compliance with the regulations. 

If you propose to do the works yourself, or if your installer is not registered, then you or they must apply for building regulations approval.

Extending a home

You need approval to extend a home. 

For more information, go to a homeowner's guide to expanding your living space.

Making internal changes to a home

You need approval if the alterations are structural. 

For example:

  • removing or partially removing a load bearing wall or chimney breast
  • changing the drainage system
  • changing anything that affects the means of escape in case in fire

Demolishing a building

You do not need approval to demolish:

  • buildings with an external size of less than 50m3 
  • extensions on a larger building that consists of an attached conservatory, shed or garage
  • buildings used solely as agricultural buildings 

Any other demolitions will require consent.

Apply to demolish a building

Building a conservatory

You do not need approval if all of the following conditions are met:

  • the internal floor area does not exceed 30m2
  • the roof is transparent or translucent (polycarbonate or similar material which allows light to pass through)
  • the conservatory is constructed at ground floor level
  • the conservatory is separated from the rest of the dwelling by a doors and/or windows
  • safety glass is used in critical locations – this means up to 1,500mm from floor level in doors and side panels, and up to 800mm from floor level in windows

If any of these conditions cannot be met, you need to apply for approval.

Building a detached domestic garage

You do not need approval if the garage:

  • does not exceed 30m2 and does not contain liveable accommodation
  • is at least 1 metre from the boundary of the property
  • is built substantially of non-combustible material

Building a porch

You do not need approval if:

  • the floor area does not exceed 30m2
  • a door is kept between the porch and the rest of the house
  • there is no drainage within the porch 
  • glazing is below 800mm in windows and 1.5m in doors
  • sidelights are safety glazing
  • the structure does not cover outlets to boilers or other flues as well as the only ventilation openings to toilets and other rooms

Building an attached domestic garage

You need approval. 

Putting rooms in the roof space

You need approval. 

Often the nature of these works is quite complex and requires structural calculations and a complete assessment of the provisions for means of escape. We recommended that you make a full plans application.

Building a swimming pool

You do not need approval to build an outside swimming pool if it is not covered by any structure. 

However, caution should be exercised when building it close to an existing structure. A swimming pool within an existing or proposed structure requires approval. 

You must get consent to discharge water from a swimming pool from Thames Water.

Repairing a garden or boundary walls

You do not need approval if the repairs are minor. 

Although the height of boundary walls may be restricted under the Town and Country Planning Act – legislation.gov.uk. Please get further advice.

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