Building Regulations
After you have applied for and received planning permission for your extension, you will then need to apply for Building Regulations.
Building Regulations are a set of rules with which builders are legally obliged to comply in the interest of public health and safety. They apply to most building work, whether it is inside or outside the building. New buildings, extensions and even additions such as extra washing facilities and hot water storage systems all need approval before work starts.
The Regulations are supported by a set of 'Approved Documents' which give guidance on how the legal requirements can be met, and cover such things as - Structural Stability; Fire Safety; Sound Insulation; Ventilation etc.
There are two methods of making a Building Regulations submission, a Building Notice, and a Full Plans Application.
Building Notice
This form of application does not involve the passing or rejecting of plans. Therefore the preparation of full working drawings are not required and in some instances enables work to proceed quickly.
It is generally suited to small types of building work which can be considered non complex. If you decide to use this method you need to be confident that you or your builder are aware of the relevant Building Regulations and that the work will comply with the Regulations when inspected.
Full Plans Application
This is the most popular method of obtaining Building Regulations consent. It has the advantage that your plans will be checked and approved for compliance with the technical requirements of the regulations.
The Full Plans system enables your builders to price from, and work to an approved drawing which will help avoid any disagreements occurring on site during construction.