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The A-Z of building regulations drawings with building regs checklist [2024 update]

Welcome to your complete guide to building regulations drawings - what they are, when you need them and how to get building control approval

4 January 2024
9 minutes read
New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.

When it comes to extending a home, converting a building, or developing new build houses, the building regulations drawings package is one of the most important sections of the entire process. Without detailed building regulations drawings, the success of your project will suffer, regardless of how great your design is.

We have been receiving building regulations enquiries for many years now, and it's surprising to us how many people take the building regulations application drawings lightly.

Some use the services of unqualified online architects and end up disappointed once their application is turned down. Or, they rely on their building regulations approval drawings when they appoint a builder and end up distressed once their construction cost hikes.

In this article, we are going to explore the best practices for preparing building regulations drawings, explain their purpose, and identify how to get building regulations approval with ease.

You will learn about the importance of building regulations approval and what it means for your project. Plus, you’ll also learn about the best methods of obtaining building regulations approval and what type of building regulations drawings you need to submit.

Close-up view of HM Government's Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B, Volume 2, covering fire safety for buildings other than dwellinghouses, highlighting essential construction standards for safety and compliance.

What are building regulations?

Building regulations are standards that apply to all buildings to make sure they are safe for people who are in or around them. The building regulations contain a series of Approved Documents covering the technical aspects of construction work. The Approved Documents consist of:

  • Part A - Structure
  • Part B - Fire safety
  • Part C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
  • Part D - Toxic substances
  • Part E - Resistance to sound
  • Part F - Ventilation
  • Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
  • Part H - Drainage and waste disposal
  • Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
  • Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
  • Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
  • Part M - Access to and use of buildings
  • Part O - Overheating
  • Part P - Electrical safety
  • Part Q - Security in dwellings
  • Part R - Infrastructure for electronic communications
  • Part S - Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
  • Part T - Toilet accommodation
  • Regulation 7 - Materials and workmanship

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, a greater emphasis has rightly been placed on building regulations, with the introduction of a series of changes to firm up the system and ensure that something so disastrous never recurs. We will discuss these changes shortly.

Open book showing detailed diagrams and guidelines from the Building Regulations Approved Documents, illustrating construction standards for safety and compliance in building projects.

What are building regulations drawings?

Building regulations apply to the majority of new builds and to many alterations of existing buildings. In order to show that you are complying with building regulations for your project, you need to submit your building regulations drawings for building control approval.

Your architect should prepare your building regulations application drawings based on the technical legislation that is laid out in the Approved Documents. Designing your project to meet building regulations ensures that your building:

  • Is safe for those in and around it
  • Meets the required level of comfort and living standards
  • Will be of a good standard

Have a question on building regulations, technical design and tender packages? Reach out to the author of this article now.

LEARN MORE
Decorative image of an architect working

Building regulations approval (building control) is not the same as planning permission. In fact, they are two entirely separate pieces of legislation. Sometimes you may need both; sometimes you may only require one; or none at all.

Planning drawings vs building regulations drawings 

Before we go any further, we need to understand the difference between planning permission and building regulations. Let us explain…

Open book displaying detailed planning drawings for a new build development, featuring colored floor plans and layouts by Urbanist Architecture, illustrating various room allocations and project specifications.
Planning drawing example

Planning permission covers the principles of development, assessing whether the development will accord with local and national policies. By contrast, building regs drawings cover the structural and technical aspects of the project.

Because planning legislation is distinct from building control legislation, it should not be assumed that one grants consent for another. Drawings at a planning stage will not cover all the requirements needed to pass building regulations.

Planning drawings are used to show the local planning department the scope of works, usually highlighting the appearance and layout of the proposal, paying particular attention to the proposed materials and main features of the building. The construction methods and details are not shown in this set of drawings and will not be a factor in the planning decision.

Detailed building regulations drawings for an extension project, showcasing an exploded view of construction components and a floor plan with technical specifications, prepared by Urbanist Architecture.
Building regulations drawing example

On the other hand, building regulations drawings are much more detailed than planning drawings, showing construction methods and details in the drawing package.

The drawing package will also contain drawings, calculations and specification from your structural engineer, showing proof that your proposed works are in full compliance with all the relevant building regulations. 

Most reputable architecture firms will prepare very detailed building regulation plans with calculations, specifications, and construction notes for a contractor to accurately price the project. Again, this is always dependent on who is putting your building regulations package together.

Difference between planning drawings and building regulations drawings

Planning drawings

  • 1. Location plan to scale
  • 2. To-scale plans to show the size and layout of the proposal
  • 3. Illustrates scope of works
  • 4. Shows the proposed design through plan, elevation and section
  • 5. Focuses on the appearance and materials of the proposal
  • 6. No construction information included
  • 7. No reference to building regulations

Building regs drawings

  • 1. A more detailed set of drawings showing the proposed works, including construction methods and materials
  • 2. Drawings with full measurements
  • 3. Drawings with notes proving compliance with the relevant building regulations
  • 4. Shows the proposed design through further drawings that can highlight but are not limited to: electrical, mechanical, drainage, demolition, and fire safety
  • 5. Relevant construction details at a larger scale are often required
  • 6. Specification with further information about construction and materials
  • 7. Thermal calculations

Do I need building regulations approval?

Most structural work – whether for new houses or flats, alterations, extensions or change of use – requires building regulations approval.

Here is the list of projects where building regulations are required:

  • All new buildings except agricultural buildings
  • Garages other than detached garages that are under 15 sqm; or under 30 sqm and either at least 1m from a boundary or built from non-combustible materials
  • All extensions to buildings regardless of how big or small
  • Loft conversions, roof extensions, balconies and roof terraces
  • Basement extensions
  • All garage conversions regardless of how big or small
  • Barn conversions
  • Flat conversions (subdividing a dwelling into a number of flats)
  • Converting flats back into a house
  • Structural alterations including works to load-bearing walls
  • Alterations including works to non-bearing walls if it separates a room from hall, staircase or landing

You may also require building regulations approval if your project involves:

  • Replacing fuse boxes and connected electrics
  • Installing a bathroom that will involve plumbing
  • Changing electrics near a bath or shower
  • Installing a fixed air-conditioning system
  • Replacing windows and doors
  • Replacing roof coverings on pitched and flat roofs even if this is just like for like
  • Installing or replacing a heating system
  • Adding extra radiators to a heating system

You do not need building regulations approval for some exempt projects, including:

  • Most repairs, replacements and maintenance work (except heating systems, oil tanks, fuse boxes and glazing units)
  • New power and lighting points, or changes to existing circuits (except around baths and showers)
  • Like-for-like replacements of baths, toilets, basins and sinks
Architectural drawing by Urbanist Architecture showcasing a detailed elevation view of a modern multi-storey building with ground floor commercial units and flats on the upper floors, including construction notes and material specifications.

What is a competent person scheme?

As an alternative to gaining building regulations approval by a building control body, some building work can also be self-certified through the government’s competent person scheme (CPS). This allows individuals who are registered with the scheme to self-certify that their work complies with building regulations without needing to submit a building regulations application to a local authority building control or a private approved inspector. This scheme is designed for specific types of work that have safety implications, such as electrical work, plumbing, heating, windows and doors installation, and certain types of insulation.

For instance, if you're a qualified plumber registered under a CPS for plumbing, you can self-certify that the plumbing work complies with the relevant building regulations. This means you don’t need to submit plans or have the work inspected by a building control body, provided the work falls within the scope of what the CPS covers.

If you're not personally qualified under the CPS but need to carry out work that requires building regulations approval, you can hire a professional who is registered with the CPS. This professional can then self-certify the work, ensuring it meets the required building standards without needing the full building control process.

It’s important to note that not all types of building work can be self-certified under the CPS. Major structural work, extensive renovations, and new builds typically require full building control approval. The CPS is designed for more routine, specialised tasks like certain electrical, plumbing, or heating installations.

What are the recent changes to building regulations?

Before we delve into how you should go about obtaining building regulations approval, it’s important to discuss some relatively recent changes in this space, which most profoundly impact ‘higher-risk’ buildings.

As mentioned earlier, the devastating fire at Grenfell in 2017 sparked a moment of reckoning within the construction industry. The tragic loss of life made it clear substantial change in regard to building safety needed to occur to ensure such a horror would never happen again. 

One of these key changes was the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, which marks the most substantial reform to building safety regulation in decades. In effect from the 1st of October 2023, the Building Safety Act 2022 includes the following requirements:

  • Establishment of the Building Safety Regulator, which now operates within the pre-existing Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The regulator is designed to closely regulate higher-risk buildings (defined as high-rise residential buildings that are either at least seven floors or at least 18m in height, and with at least two residential units), raise standards of safety in all buildings, and help various professionals improve their competence. 
  • The three gateways. The gateway regime is a three-stage process that higher-risk buildings need to adhere to to gain approval. Gateway one is ‘land use planning matters related to fire safety’. Gateway two is ‘building control approval for higher-risk buildings’ and takes place before construction work begins. Lastly, gateway three is ‘completion certificates’, which, as you would expect, needs to be passed at completion, before the property can be occupied by residents.
  • The ‘golden thread’ of information. The golden thread is a new rule that mandates clear documentation of building safety information throughout a building's life cycle, making it easier to understand the history of the building and identify what is required to keep it a safe place to live.
  • Greater rights for residents and homeowners. For tenants of high-rise, higher-risk buildings, changed legislation means they now have the right to raise safety concerns directly to ‘accountable persons’ (usually building owners and/or managers), who are obliged to listen to these concerns. If a tenant feels their concerns are not being addressed or listened to, they can be raised with the aforementioned Building Safety Regulator who will escalate matters. Plus, homeowners have more than double the amount of time (now 15 years) to claim compensation for ‘sub-standard construction work’.

As well as the Building Safety Act, the Fire Safety Act was also introduced in 2021. This Act ‘clarifies the scope’ of the Fire Safety Order from 2005, confirming it applies to the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors between domestic premises and the common parts of a multi-occupied residential building. It means fire risk assessments moving forward will consider these factors.

Now you’re across the key changes, let’s take a look at how you go about gaining building regulations approval.

How to get building regulations approval

To gain building regulation approval you have two options. 

The first is to work with your local authority’s building control team and have your architect submit your building regulations application to them for approval.

Alternatively, you can go down the private route and work with a ‘building control approver’ (formerly known as ‘approved inspectors’), who will inform your council of the work via an ‘initial notice’.

There is no right or wrong option, both have their advantages and limitations, but many people find that going down the private line is a faster, more seamless experience.

Building control drawing for a refurbishment project by Urbanist Architecture, showcasing a detailed floor plan with annotations and specifications for construction compliance.

Full Plans Building Control Application vs Building Notice Notification

You can make a building regulations application either by making a Full Plans Building Control application or by submitting a building notice notification. 

A full plans application will consist of detailed building regulations plans and full specifications of the construction details together with the appropriate fee. In other words, you need to submit a set of detailed building regulations drawings prior to the building starting on site, outlining in detail the technical legislation that your project meets.

Alternatively, if you are doing simple work to a domestic building, you could use a building notice, which doesn’t generally require the submission of detailed building regulations plans or full specifications of the construction details. However, you will not receive the protection and reassurance that a full plans application would give you.

While submitting a building notice instead of a Full Plans Building Control application might sound tempting, paying for official building regulations drawings that will ensure your project is approved is worthwhile. 

We say this a lot, but it bears repeating: the amount of money you spend before building starts will always be less than what you’ll end up spending if you need to make changes halfway through construction, or if you need to rectify, dismantle or demolish something that’s already been built.

That is why we recommend pursuing the Full Plans Building Control route where appropriate; if the building control department or an approver decides your project does not meet the requirements, amendments can be made before starting the build and you’ll avoid lofty remedial costs down the line.

Lastly, if you apply using the Full Plans route and your application is rejected, there is an opportunity to apply for determination (appeal), which is not possible with a building notice application. 

Building regulations structural calculations document for a project by Urbanist Architecture, detailing specifications and load calculations for compliance with construction standards.

Building regs checklist: The requirements of a full building control submission

Putting together a full set of building regulations approval drawings requires knowledge of the regulations and the approved documents. Choosing an architect with experience of this process is key to make sure all your documentation is to a high standard and meets the requirements of the submission. 

When submitting your building control application, you need to include a full set of building regulations drawings in the forms of plans, sections, elevations, details and building regulations notes which highlight the necessary standards and regulations. 

Along with the architect’s building regulations approval drawings and specifications, you will also usually need structural drawings from engineers to prove the building will be safely constructed. Your engineer needs to work closely with your architect to design safe and cost-effective solutions for your development.

Although you should expect a good quality of service from all qualified architects, it’s also true that we all have different strengths. Some architects are excellent at the aesthetic aspects of the job – thinking up lovely-looking buildings – but are not so good at the less glamorous matter of the details. At Urbanist Architecture, we have a team of qualified architects that has a balance of vision and practicality. 

Building control drawings checklist

Your building regulations plans should include site location plan, floor plans, elevations and vertical sections through the building showing constructional details. Your building drawings package should also be accompanied by supporting structural calculations, specifications and construction notes. 

The specification should indicate the materials and construction methods proposed to be used in the foundations, walls, floors, roof, drainage etc. In addition, calculations should justify structural integrity, thermal performance of the building and other requirements of the regulations.

Depending on your project, the requirements for building regulations application drawings may differ. For example, when building an extension, you’ll be required to show the provision made for the drainage of the extension while for converting a house into flats, you will need to submit detailed energy information. 

Rear view of a two-storey brick house showcasing a stylish home extension with large black-framed bifold doors leading to a cosy, modern kitchen and dining area. The lush garden features a variety of green plants and palm trees, enhancing the inviting outdoor space.

Building regulations plans for extensions

Your building regulations application drawings for extensions should detail:

  • Structure
  • Fire safety
  • Sound insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Drainage
  • Electrical design and installations
  • Mechanical design and installations

For example, if you are creating an open-plan living area through adding a kitchen extension, then your building regulations plans for your home extension should show the means of escape or include the details of a traditional or modern sprinkler system.

Modern bathroom in a dormer extension with a freestanding white bathtub, black fixtures, and a heated towel rail. The room features large windows providing ample natural light, green geometric tiles in the shower area, and a sleek glass shower enclosure. A small green stool adds a pop of color to the stylish, minimalist design.
Designed by Urbanist Architecture

Building regulations plans for loft conversions

Your building regulations approval drawings for loft extensions should detail:

  • Structure
  • Fire safety
  • Sound insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Drainage
  • Electrical design and installations
  • Mechanical design and installations
  • Staircase regulations and safe access
  • Minimum headroom requirements (2.2m for habitable spaces)

If you are planning to convert your loft to add a new bedroom, then your building regulations drawings for your loft conversion should show the minimum ceiling height required, which is 2.2m.

Architectural cross-section of an existing multi-storey building showing detailed interior spaces including residential areas, a kitchen, a lounge, and a dance studio. The illustration highlights the building's layout and the relationship between different floors, with trees in the background and a busy urban street on the right, depicting the integration of nature and urban life.
Before property conversion, by Urbanist Architecture
Architectural cross-section of a proposed modern multi-storey building, showcasing detailed interior spaces including a cafe, office area, lounge, residential apartments, and an attic room. The illustration highlights various activities and furniture arrangements, with a backdrop of lush greenery on one side and a busy urban street on the other, illustrating the integration of different environments within the building's design.
After property conversion, by Urbanist Architecture

Building regulations plans for property conversions

Your building regulations drawings package for conversions, such as converting a dwelling house into a flat, should detail:

  • Structure
  • Fire safety
  • Sound insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Drainage
  • Electrical design and installations
  • Mechanical design and installations
  • Insulation, airtightness, and energy consumption
  • Fire separation
  • Energy efficiency standards (U-values)
  • Ventilation and glazing compliance for each unit

For example, if you are converting a house into several self-contained flats, then your building regulations plans should show the means of escape, insulation and ventilation in detail.

Street view of a modern multi-storey residential building with red brick and white cladding, featuring glass balconies and large windows. The ground floor includes commercial spaces with people walking and cycling in front, creating a bustling urban environment. The building's rooftop garden adds a touch of greenery, enhancing the contemporary design in a vibrant city setting.
Designed by Urbanist Architecture

Building regulations plans for new builds

Your building regulations plans for new builds should detail:

  • Structure
  • Fire safety
  • Sound insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Drainage
  • Electrical design and installations
  • Mechanical design and installations
  • Insulation, airtightness, and energy consumption
  • Fire separation
  • Electric vehicle charging
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Energy efficiency information

Have a question on building regulations, technical design and tender packages? Reach out to the author of this article now.

LEARN MORE
Decorative image of an architect working

Similar to property conversions, if you are building new dwellings, then your building regulations drawings should show the means of escape, insulation and ventilation in detail.

How long does building regulations approval take and how long does it last?

When you apply using a Full Plans Building Control application, the building control body must issue a decision within five weeks of application. Or, if it has been agreed by both parties, up to a maximum of two months.

Work can begin on-site prior to the approval notice, but you have to let the building control body know that approval has been sought before larger works commence on site. If your project for some reason does not comply with certain regulations, then plans can be amended prior to starting on site where necessary, without causing further construction costs.

Detailed building regulations drawing showcasing typical full fill brick and block cavity wall, upgrading existing solid wall, sleeved pipe passing through roof, and window detail section. The precise construction illustrations highlight structural elements and compliance with building standards, essential for achieving building control approval and ensuring safe, high-quality construction.
Detailed architectural drawing featuring typical cold roof flat dormer detail and timber-framed wall dormer detail, illustrating precise construction methods and structural components necessary for building regulations compliance. Essential for contractors and architects, these drawings ensure safe, high-quality construction that meets building standards.
Technical architectural drawing detailing typical pitched roof, eaves, upgraded stair, and timber floor junction with platform floor construction. This comprehensive illustration provides essential information for builders and architects to ensure compliance with building regulations, focusing on structural integrity and construction methods.
Architectural drawing showing detailed sections of pipe passing through wall lintel and loft ridge dormer construction. This technical illustration highlights crucial construction methods and specifications necessary for compliance with building regulations, ensuring structural integrity and safety in residential projects.

A Full Plans approval will remain valid for three years from the date that the plans were deposited. If the application has lapsed before you begin work then you must reapply in line with the up-to-date building regulations. This might mean that your application needs to be amended, as regulations will change over time. 

Building notice applications can be accepted as quickly as two days after application. The building works can begin once the notice has been accepted. The building notice is also valid for three years, but from the date that the notice was given.

For both methods, inspections will be carried out over a variety of stages by the building control body dealing with the project, to ensure that the works are meeting regulations and are built in line with the submitted plans.

Provided they have seen all relevant stages of the build, that everything complies with the building regulations, that all necessary certificates have been provided, and all fees have been paid, then a completion certificate will be issued once the build has been completed.

High-rise building engulfed in smoke and flames during the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in London. The image captures the severity of the disaster, highlighting the importance of stringent building regulations and fire safety measures to prevent such catastrophic events in urban residential areas.

What can happen if things go wrong

Failing to comply with building regulations can have a number of consequences. The first, as we’ve already mentioned, is that you could end up having to undo the work done at your own cost. If you refuse to make the changes after an enforcement notice, the council can come in and get its own contractors to carry out the demolition and charge you for it. 

Alternately, your builder could end up getting prosecuted and fined. You won’t be the one paying the fine but you will have to deal with the consequences, usually by hiring a new builder with the delays that can cause.

This is why you should be very thorough when choosing a contractor and also why you should consider having an architect or chartered surveyor acting as your contract manager.  

Finally, if you end up without a completion certificate because the building inspector does not feel the work has been carried out correctly, it can be extremely difficult to sell a property.

Construction site showing foundation work in progress with concrete footings and rebar installations. The image highlights the initial stages of building development, emphasising the importance of proper foundation work in ensuring structural integrity and compliance with building regulations.

Starting work without a building control application

Starting work without applying for building regulations is a criminal offence. You should always apply for building regulations before you start on-site, and if you do not then you are liable on summary conviction to a fine.

If you carry out work that does not comply with building regulations, then the work will need to be altered to meet regulations or demolished.

As above, any projects that do not meet regulations and don’t receive the relevant certificates will be difficult to sell or finance in the future, due to lack of necessary approvals and paperwork. 

Residential construction site featuring partially built brick houses with scaffolding and roof trusses in place. The image illustrates the mid-construction phase of new housing development, highlighting the structural framework and ongoing building processes necessary for compliance with building regulations and standards.

Retrospective approval for building work carried out without notification

Applying for building regulations approval retrospectively for unauthorised works is possible through a regularisation application.

This application can only be done through the local authority building control department and is for works that were carried out without building regulations consent, started on or after 11 November 1985.

Applying for the building control regularisation involves opening the works up for inspection, which can be an expensive and intrusive process. Any works that do not appear to meet the requirements of the building regulations will have to be corrected to be made compliant, which can also come at a high cost, depending on the number of works that need to be altered. 

On completion of this process, a certificate of regularisation will be issued for the development. 

Construction worker installing roof tiles on a new residential building in London, with scaffolding and safety equipment in place. The image showcases the roofing process and structural details of house construction, emphasising compliance with building regulations and safety standards.

The misconception: Building regulations drawings are sufficient for construction

Building regulations drawings contain a lot of information and detail about the construction of a project and how it meets building standards, but they are not always detailed enough to build from.

Alongside building regulations, tender drawings and construction drawings should be provided for a project, ensuring that the drawings have the correct information for their purpose. 

Building regulations plans, although extremely detailed, may not include enough information about the scope of works you are expecting from your contractor, and so further notes and information may be required on a set of drawings, specifically for tender purposes.

This allows the project to be priced more precisely and means there is less chance for additional fees and surprising construction costs later on. 

It is also important that a set of construction drawings are issued for a project that have been checked for the correct technical details and measurements to ensure that the work on-site proceeds smoothly and without any additional costs or time issues.

This is why our RIBA Stage 4 service  includes building regulation drawings, tender and construction drawings to make sure you are getting the most appropriate drawings for each stage of your project, avoiding additional costs and time-wasting where possible.

How much does a building regulations application cost?

There isn’t a standard nationwide fee structure for building regulations approval. Each council or private inspector can charge a different amount. But we can provide a couple of examples just to give you a general sense.

As at August 2024, the London Borough of Redbridge charges £1080 for either Full Plans Building Control application or a building notice for a single new-build house. For an extension between 20 and 60 sqm, you’ll pay £961. 

By contrast, for a single house, Bury Council will charge £301 (including VAT) for checking your plans and £429 for an inspection (that’s £730 together) or £876 if you choose the building notice route. For a 40 sqm to 80 sqm extension, they will charge £264 (plans) and £396 (inspection) – £660 in total – or £792 for building notice. 

How much do building regulations drawings cost?

The average cost of building regulations drawings ranges from £1,000 to £15,000 for home improvement projects. For new build developments, it starts from 3% of the construction cost. Of course, this depends on who you are working with and what level of service they offer.

Of course, an RIBA chartered practice will cost more but will have more experience and knowledge of what goes into these drawings. This means that you minimise your risks and find more cost effective solutions all of which will add more value to your project. By doing this, you can also avoid errors that may otherwise happen including collapses in refurbishments or new builds.

Collapsed section of a building in London due to poor temporary works during refurbishment. The image highlights the importance of proper structural support and safety measures in construction projects to prevent structural failures and ensure safety compliance.
Two multimillion-pound properties destroyed during building work due to poor project management and temporary works design.

It is also important to understand that building regulations approval drawings are not sufficient to build from, so it is worth looking to see the level of service that the architect is offering and the drawings that they are providing within their service.

For example, at Urbanist Architecture, we provide drawings for Full Plans Building Control approval as part of a comprehensive Technical Design and Building Regulations​ package that also includes tender and construction drawings. Our fees for this service generally start around £8,000.

Rather than executing drawings simply to meet regulatory requirements, all our work on your designs is part of a process of creating an easy-to-use, enjoyable to live in and long-lasting building.

Structural engineer fees for their part in preparing a Full Plans Building Control approval submission are difficult to estimate, as it depends on the project type, size and location, as well as the quality of the service. It also depends on the services that are required from the engineer, including how many site visits are necessary and the complexity of the design proposal.

As an example, for a single-storey rear extension, quotes can come back from an engineer anywhere between £800 - £5,000. These quotes will depend on the service the engineer is offering. This is another reason why you should consider having an architect acting as your project manager, as they have experience working with engineers, and can advise you on the best service to go with.

Building control inspector examining the exterior of a new home. The image highlights the importance of thorough inspections to ensure compliance with building regulations and standards, promoting safety and quality in construction projects.

Who is responsible for notifying building control?

Under both the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015 and the building regulations, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with building regulations lies with the property owner or client. However, the responsibility to notify building control can often be delegated to the builder, contractor, or principal designer, particularly in domestic projects.

Under the CDM regulations, domestic clients are not expected to manage these duties themselves. Instead, they are automatically transferred to the contractor or, if one is appointed, the principal designer. These individuals or companies are responsible for managing safety and notifying the appropriate authorities on behalf of the client. However, in larger or more complex projects, it is important for the client to ensure that all duty holders (e.g., principal designer, contractor) are fulfilling their responsibilities to notify building control, among other things.

In terms of building regulations, while the builder typically manages the process of notifying building control and scheduling inspections, the property owner remains legally responsible for ensuring that the work complies. If issues arise, such as non-compliance, the enforcement notice is likely to be served to the owner, not the builder, although the builder or contractor may also face legal action if they are at fault. Thus, although builders or contractors frequently take on the role of notifying building control, the property owner must ensure this is done correctly to avoid any legal issues.

  • Commencement
  • Foundation excavation
  • Foundation concreted
  • Damp proof course
  • Oversite and damp proof membrane prior to backfilling
  • Drains prior to backfilling
  • Drains test after backfilling
  • Electrical installation first fix 
  • Floor & roof constructions
  • Steel beams or structural elements
  • On occupation
  • Final completion
Urbanist Architecture's residential architects team standing in a modern, open-concept kitchen and living area. The team comprises diverse professionals dedicated to innovative design and client satisfaction, showcasing their expertise in creating stylish and functional residential spaces.

How Urbanist Architecture can help you

At Urbanist Architecture, we are highly experienced in the realm of building regulations, recognised for our proven expertise in navigating the complexities of technical design, adeptly avoiding the common yet critical pitfalls that can arise during this vital phase of a project.

If you're seeking a multidisciplinary team of London architects who specialise in simple, feasible, and cost-effective technical design solutions in compliance with building regulations, we are your perfect fit. Our approach involves meticulously assembling a tender package to help you choose the right builders and make your project construction-ready. Moreover, we ensure securing your building control approval is a smooth and streamlined process.

Robin Callister, Creative Director and Senior Architect at Urbanist Architecture
AUTHOR

Robin Callister

Robin is our creative director, guiding our architectural team with the wisdom of more than 20 years of experience. All architectural projects at our practice are overseen by Robin, so you know you’re in the safest of hands.

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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
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Image cover for the article: New housing development under construction in the UK, showcasing partially built brick houses with scaffolding and construction materials on-site, surrounded by mature trees and a residential neighbourhood.
RIBA Stage 2: An architect’s guide to concept design
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