Building regulations

The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended), which are made under The Building Act 1984, are designed to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings by outlining requirements for building design and construction. In addition, the Regulations promote energy efficiency in buildings and contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people.

Building work as defined in the Regulations includes new buildings, extensions, alterations, certain changes to the use of a building, providing fittings such as drains, heating appliances, washing and sanitary facilities and unvented hot water systems. These all require building regulation approval.

The requirements are expressed in broad terms to allow designers and builders maximum flexibility in preparing their plans. They consist of thirteen Parts (A-H and J-N) and each part is supported by a separate “Approved Document” which contains guidance on ways in which the requirements can be met. There may however be alternative ways to comply and therefore there is no obligation to adopt any particular solution in an Approved Document.