Learn how to get Building Regulations approval

The way to obtain approval will depend on whether you choose to use the Building Contol services of a Local Authority or an Approved Inspector. As an alternative, for some types of building works you may wish to use a contractor who can self-certify their work.

• If you choose to use a Local Authority, the procedures are set out in the Building Regulations. Some of them relate to pre-site procedures and others relate to procedures once work is underway on site.

• If you choose to use an Approved Inspector you should speak with them about how they wish you to engage them. You and the Approved Inspector should jointly notify the Local Authority for where the building work will be carried out that the Approved Inspector is carrying out the building control function for the work. This notification is called an "Initial Notice".

• For installation of certain types of services and fittings (eg electrical installations in dwellings, heating, hot water, air conditioning, ventilation appliances, replacement windows, WCs and showers) the contractor (if registered with a Competent Person Schemes) will be able to self-certify their work, meaning you will not need to seek approval directly from the local authority - the contractor through the scheme will notify Building Control Body of their work, and that it has been done in accordance with the Building Regulations.
  
  

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Clients, contractors and designers will also have duties under health and safety legislation. Find out more about the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).  Although a domestic client does not have duties under CDM 2007,those who work for them on construction projects will.

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