Building Control,
explained simply.

Most building work does. Typical examples include extensions, loft and garage conversions, structural alterations such as removing a load-bearing wall, new homes and many changes of use. Some smaller jobs, such as certain window, heating or electrical work, can instead be self-certified by an installer registered with a competent person scheme. If you're not sure, tell us about the work and we'll talk it through with you.

No. Planning permission is about whether a development is acceptable in its location, such as its appearance, use and effect on neighbours. The Building Regulations set standards for how the work is designed and built. A project may need one, both or neither, so it's worth checking both early. Having planning permission does not mean the work complies with the Building Regulations.

In England, you can usually choose between your local authority's building control service and a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) such as Concept. Both check that the work meets the Building Regulations. Building control for higher-risk buildings is provided by the Building Safety Regulator instead.

Before any work starts on site, and ideally while the design is being developed. Raising Building Regulations questions early is usually easier and cheaper than changing work that has already been built.

The people commissioning, designing and carrying out the work are responsible for making sure it complies with the Building Regulations. Building control provides an independent check through plan assessment and inspections, but it does not take on that responsibility for them.

The building control surveyor visits at key stages, for example foundations, drainage, structure, insulation and completion, to check the work against the approved proposals and the Building Regulations. If something needs to change, they explain what and why.

It depends on the size and type of work. A small extension typically needs fewer visits than a new building. The stages that apply to your project are agreed at the start, and it's important to let building control know when each stage is ready so the work can be seen before it is covered up.

When the work is finished and found to comply, a certificate is issued: a final certificate from a Registered Building Control Approver, or a completion certificate from a local authority. It is important evidence that the work met the Building Regulations, and solicitors usually ask for it when a property is sold, so keep it safe.

In England, a higher-risk building is generally one that is at least 18 metres high or has at least seven storeys and contains at least two residential units. Building control for higher-risk building work is provided by the Building Safety Regulator, not by local authorities or approvers. Our registration excludes higher-risk building work.

Contact us or your local authority as soon as possible. Work carried out without approval may be able to be regularised through the local authority, but the options depend on the work and how far it has progressed.