If you are having construction or refurbishment work carried out, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well. Find out more by visiting the HSE's website.
View useful planning and building regulations guidance for many common building work projects for the home at the Planning Portal website.
Who are Competent Persons?
View a handy guide at the info4local website.
LABC New Home Warranty
LABC New Home Warranty (LABC NHW), together with LABC, can provide developers and self builders with a complete range of developer services to support build programmes from start to finish, from warranties, right through to sale with the Home Information Pack service.
The synergies of providing these services under one roof allows them to pass significant cost savings on to you. Services available include:
. 10 year Structural Warranties
. Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments
. EPC, PEA and accredited SAP Assessments
. SBEM Assessments
. Acoustic Testing
. Air Pressure Testing
. Home Information Packs
To find out more or obtain a quotation, please contact the LABC New Home Warranty Team at:
Tel: 0845 054 0505
Website: www.labcnhw.co.uk
Do I need approval to build an extension to my house?
Yes. However, a porch or conservatory built at ground floor level and under 30m2 in floor area is exempt provided that the glazing complies with the safety glazing requirements of the Building Regulations Part N.
Do I need approval to build a garage extension to my house, shop or office?
Yes, but a car port extension built at ground level, open on at least two sides and under 30m2 in floor area, is exempt.
Do I need approval to build a detached garage?
Yes, but a single storey garage at ground level, under 30m2 in floor area and with no sleeping accommodation, is exempt provided either:
- It is built substantially of non-combustible materials.
- When built it has a clear space of 1 metre from the boundary of the property.
Do I need approval for a loft conversion?
Yes.
Do I need approval to make internal alterations within my house, shop or office?
Yes. If the alterations are to the structure, such as the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, joist, beam or chimney breast.
You may also need approval if in altering a house, work involves altering the drainage system, heating appliance or fire precaution measures.
Do I need approval to install replacement windows in my house, shop or office?
Yes. Recent changes to legislation now require most replacement windows and doors to comply with certain minimum standards.
To enable work to be monitored it is also a requirement to apply for permission from the Council before carrying out any work. For domestic premises however, instead of using the Council to approve and inspect your proposals, you can employ the services of a FENSA registered installer.
They do not have to apply to the Council for permission, the standard of their work being monitored by an independent body. Replacement doors only require consent if they contain over 50% glazing.
Download a copy of our handy flow chart to help in deciding whether or not your proposals require an application and the level of standards they will have to achieve.
Do I need approval to convert my house to an office or shop?
No, if you are not proposing any building work to make the change. Where building work is proposed you probably will need approval if it affects the structure or fire precautions.
Do I need approval to convert my office or shop to a flat or house?
Yes.
Do I need approval to install fittings and appliances within my house, shop or office?
(i) To install or alter the position of a WC, bath, etc?
No, unless the work involves new, or an extension of, drainage or plumbing.
(ii) To install, replace or alter the position of a heating appliance?
Gas: Yes, unless the work is supervised by an approved installer under the Gas safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1984.
Solid fuel: Yes, however certain works can be self certified by companies registered with HETAS.
Oil: Yes, however certain works can be self certified by companies registered with OFTEC.
Electric: No.
(iii) To alter in any way the construction of fireplaces hearths or flues?
Yes.
(iv) To install hot water storage?
Yes, if the water heater is unvented (i.e. supplied directly from the mains without an open expansion tank and no vent pipe to atmosphere) and has storage capacity greater than 15 litres. Such systems must be installed by persons competent to do so.
Health and Safety Executive
If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well - find out more at their website.
www.hse.gov.uk
