Where to get Building Regulations approval

To help you achieve compliance with the regulations, you are required to use one of two types of Building Control Service:

• your local authority Building Control Service; or
• an approved inspector's Building Control Service 

You can contact your Local Authority Building Control service through your district or borough council.

Approved Inspectors are private sector companies or practitioners and are approved for the purpose of carrying out the Building Control Service as an alternative to your local authority. Approved Inspectors can provide a service in connection with most sorts of building project involving new buildings or work to existing buildings, including extensions or alterations to homes. All Approved Inspectors are registered with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) who can provide a list of members.

If you are employing a builder to do your work you should be clear from the outset whether they are taking responsibility for ensuring that the building work complies with the Building Regulations, and also whether they are taking responsibility for liaising with the Building Control Service you have decided to use.  In the case of some minor works, the contractor (if approved to do so) may be able to self-certify the work, meaning you will not need to seek approval directly - the contractor will notify the Building Control Body of their work and that it has been done in accordance with the Building Regulations.

In addition, you should bear in mind that your building work may require planning permission. You will need to check the position; and if you do require permission you will need to be clear whether you, your builder or designer are taking responsibility for obtaining it. Some types of building development may also be subject to other types of statutory requirements and consents.