Building Regulations

This section gives information on the Building Regulations and general advice on how they apply to various types of common building work. If you prefer viewing Building Regulation information organised around the technical parts (A to P) you can do so in the professional users' area of the Portal. You should also be aware of health and safety responsibilities.

What are the Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations apply to building work in England & Wales and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings. Learn more about compliance and the consequences of not complying.

Is Building Regulations approval the same as planning permission?

Building Regulations approval is a separate matter from obtaining planning permission for your work. Similarly, receiving any planning permission which your work may require is not the same as taking action to ensure that it complies with the Building Regulations. You can learn more about the difference between Planning Permission and Building Regulations here.

What are the Health and Safety Responsibilities?

Clients, contractors and designers may also have duties under health and safety legislation and may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 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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