Building Control approval ensures that your construction work meets the minimum safety, structural, energy efficiency and accessibility standards set out by UK Building Regulations. These rules exist to protect homeowners, future occupants and the general public.
Approval is granted by your local authority’s Building Control team or by a private Approved Inspector. They check your plans, and then inspect the work as it happens to ensure it complies with the rules.
If you’re doing any of the following, you’ll almost certainly need Building Control sign-off:
Even internal reconfigurations (like moving walls or opening up spaces) can require approval if they affect structure, fire safety, or ventilation.
Some small projects might not need Building Control approval, such as:
However, the rules can be nuanced, so we always recommend checking with a professional or Building Control before assuming your project is exempt.
Here’s a common confusion:
Having building regulations drawings prepared does not mean your project is approved.
These are technical drawings that show how your proposed design intends to comply with Building Regulations. Once completed, they still need to be submitted to Building Control, along with structural engineering calculations, for review.
During construction, Building Control will carry out a series of inspections at key stages—such as foundations, drainage, structural work, and insulation—to ensure the work complies with the approved plans and regulations.
Once the project is completed and everything is found to be compliant, Building Control will issue a Completion Certificate, confirming that your build meets the required standards.
Skipping Building Control approval can create serious problems:
It’s always cheaper and safer to get approval before you start than to try to fix issues later.
At Go Plans, we don’t just draw up plans and leave you on your own. We offer a full, hassle-free service to guide your project from concept to completion, including:
We’ll ensure your project is designed, approved and built the right way!
The short answer? In most cases, yes. Building regulations are legal standards that ensure your project is safe, structurally sound, energy-efficient and accessible. Yet there’s a lot of confusion around what they are, who enforces them and how they differ from planning permission.
Let’s break it down — clearly and simply.
Building regulations are a set of technical standards that apply to most construction projects in England and Wales. These rules cover important areas such as:
These standards are enforced by either your local council’s Building Control department or by a private approved inspector. Whether you’re planning a simple rear extension or a full loft conversion, your project will likely need to comply with these regulations.
In most cases, yes. Here are the types of projects that generally do require building regulations approval:
On the other hand, smaller projects like unheated conservatories or small porches under 30m² may not require building regulations — but it’s always worth checking with a professional first.
This is one of the most common points of confusion for homeowners.
People often assume that once they’ve received “building regulations drawings,” they’re good to go. But that’s not the full picture.
Here’s what really happens:
So remember: building regulations drawings help demonstrate compliance, but they are not an automatic approval on their own.
Skipping building regulations might seem tempting to save time, but it can lead to serious issues:
It’s simply not worth the risk.
At Go Plans, we handle the entire process — so you don’t have to stress over paperwork, approvals or technical details.
We provide:
Whether you’re extending your home, converting your loft or reconfiguring your space, we’ll make sure everything is compliant, signed off, and ready for construction.
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