Building Regulations

At Go Plans we understand that when designing a new home, renovating an existing build, or creating an extension; building regulation compliance is an essential part of the process. Working with us ensures that your project will run smoothly from start to finish, so that you can concentrate on your exciting new plans.

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What are Building Regulations?

Building regulations are a set of legal requirements introduced by the government to ensure the health, safety and welfare of occupants, after the construction is complete. In legal terms, ‘building work’ is described as:

The erection or extension of a building
The provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting
The material alteration of a building or a controlled service or fitting

This does not include the following – which can usually be carried out without formal approval:

New plug sockets and changing to existing circuits (unless they are around baths or showers)
Replacements of toilets, baths or sinks
Most repairs, replacements and maintenance work (except heating systems, oil tanks, fuse boxes and glazing units)

It’s also important to note that even if you don’t need to seek planning permission, you may still need building regulations approval.

Compliance

Compliance with building regulations is mandatory for all building projects in the UK, and one of the key services we offer here at Go Plans. Failure to adhere to building regulations correctly can result in costly delays, unlimited fines or even legal repercussions. Local authorities also have the power to tear down any alterations and issue you with a bill for repair if they find that it doesn’t meet their standards for approval.

All lawful renovations will be issued with a certificate of building regulations completion. This means that should you sell the property in the future, there will be proof that the renovations have been approved and conducted according to the regulations.

At Go Plans, we'll ensure that you’re fully covered, guaranteeing your project adheres to all compliance and regulatory standards.

Local Authority Or Private Building Control?

There are two options available when it comes to having your plans approved. You can either choose to go with an authority building control team via your local council or, alternatively, there is now the option to choose an ‘approved inspector’ from a private building control firm.

What Do Building Regulations Cover?

There are currently sixteen areas covered within the 2010 building regulations. Examples of some of the most commonly referred to are below:

Structure

There are minimum standards for structural stability, ensuring that buildings can withstand the forces of gravity, wind, and other environmental factors. Plans will include diagrams outlining the roof frame, walls and timber elements if applicable.

Fire Safety

This covers precautionary measures taken to avoid harm caused by fire. Including, the use of fire-resistant materials, the installation of smoke alarms and a means of escape in case of fire.

Ventilation

Building regulations include provisions for ventilation and air quality within the building, as well as for the prevention of condensation.

Energy Efficiency

Minimising the energy consumption within the property through insulation, efficient boilers, energy metres and the overall permeability of walls, windows and doors.

Accessibility

Ensuring accessibility for everyone, with provisions for features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets.

Building Regulations With Go Plans

Go Plans can assist you with every aspect of the building regulation approval process, from preparing detailed drawings and specifications, to liaising with building control authorities on your behalf:

We will create technical drawings to cover all of the above, demonstrating compliance with the regulations.
Then, our in-house structural engineer will carry out all the necessary calculations to ensure that the design is structurally sound.
We can submit both the building regulations, and engineering plans, to building control on your behalf. They will then carry out a “Plan Check’, and we will liaise with them should any adjustments be necessary.
Following the “Plan Check”, your chosen builder will then ensure that site visits are arranged with building control at key stages of the build, leading to a successful approval at the end of the project.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of the building regulations drawing can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the project. Normally, however, we finalise these plans within 2 weeks after Planning Approval. Following that, the Building Control is an ongoing process up until the construction is completed and you receive the certificate from building control.

Why Choose Go Plans?

Process Management

We will submit the building control application and liaise with the control office throughout, meaning you can focus on your project.

Offer 24/7 Support

Our Whatsapp support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all of our clients.

Project History

We have successfully completed over 2000 projects across England. You can view some of these here.

Go plans did an excellent job and were very helpful and efficient. They came to measure up our house to create 'existing' drawings. Their architect then helped us develop our proposals and created drawings and 3d images. After go plans secured planning permission, they also advised on building regulations matters and prepared and supported that application.

GET IN TOUCH!

Book your casual, no-obligation chat with one of our expert consultants today!

We’ll gladly talk you through each stage of the process and give you an idea of exactly how Summit can help get your project underway.

     Excellent  
     Based on 14 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Fatima El-ghardouf 
 2024-04-15
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of working with oliver and his team, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by their creativity, attention to detail, and overall professionalism. This designer's ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal in their architectural designs is truly remarkable
  
 
       
   Stuart 
 2024-03-27
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Over the past few years my partner and I have been talking about extending onto our lounge and turning it into a dining area, as well as a place to perform our music to friends and family.
We didn’t know where to start and found it very daunting, so a friend suggested finding project management which made total sense.

I came across a few companies that offered some kind of project management, but after speaking to one of the team at Go Plans I found they were the only company that offered a bespoke service from start to finish.

Once we spoke about the cost of project management, I initially thought it was a little pricy however, once they broke it down, I realized they were actually very reasonable as they end up saving you a fair amount of money, so for me it was a no brainer and decided to go for it.

I am now at the tendering stage, and it is going very smoothly and importantly stress free for both my partner and me.

The team at Go Plans are very attentive and make you feel totally at ease as they have a professional team member for every area of the build.

To sum it up so far, I am extremely happy as they really do cover absolutely everything and each team member I have spoken to is friendly, professional and very good at their job.

I look forward to continuing the project with Go Plans as I know I am in very good hands.
  
 
       
   Matt Arnold 
 2024-01-30
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Go Plans made our lives so much less stressful during the early stages of our single storey wraparound extension. They did all of the architectural plans, structural engineering/building regulation plans for our contractors and also dealt with building control matters. Meeting with their team in person and via Zoom was stress free, flexible and really put us at ease. They were also competitively priced. Would recommend and use them again on a build in future.
  
 
       
   Ryan 
 2024-01-30
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had building floor plans drawn up by Go Plans, these were done to a high standard and completed on time. Go Plans also helped me with structural calculations which were passed on to my builder as I await planning permission before work commences on my garage conversion project. This was also applied for on my behalf by Go Plans. Everything was explained to me in high levels of detail and as someone who has never carried out building work on this scale before, it was also incredibly helpful to have GoPlans assisting me every step of the way. Overall I would thoroughly recommend.
  
 
       
   Bill and Abby 
 2024-01-30
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Go Plans to prepare our planning application, building regulations and structural engineering plans for our extension project. They did an excellent job and were very helpful and efficient.

They came to measure up our house to create 'existing' drawings. Their architect then helped us develop our proposals and created drawings and 3D images. After Go Plans secured planning permission, they also advised on building regulations matters and prepared and supported that application.

We would recommend.
  
 
       
   Fredrik Hjelmare 
 2024-01-29
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Go plans provided a quick and streamlined design experience with well timed handovers between different professionals. Our plan did however fall short of the planning authority's expectations, due to fire regulations, and after accepting the outcome Go plans helped us out free of charge with necessary adjustments. I would recommend Go plans for their quick and easy service, especially for smaller jobs.
  
 
       
   Miss Potts 
 2024-01-29
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Go plans drew up my loft  conversion and helped me with getting planning permission for the loft conversion. They can support with whole process from drawing plans to securing the builders for the job. They explained everything well and answered all my questions, which there were lots of as this was my first time. I would recommend.
  
 
       
   Jessica Jerrome 
 2023-10-12
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After having issues with our previous architect. Go Plans were very helpful and quick in getting the necessary changes and drawings done that we needed for our building work.
Cannot fault them.
  
 
       
   Angus E 
 2023-07-24
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Go Plans helped us with a planning application for a new roof. They were very helpful, quick to respond and made the process of doing construction work in a conservation area a lot easier!
  
 
       
   Zyleen Hewins 
 2023-06-08
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had a fantastic experience with Karim as the structural engineer. He is very knowledgeable, personable and happy to help with anything and everything. He has guided me on my build and I couldn't have done it without him. Any project would be better off with him on it!