About Building Regulations
What are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations set performance standards in the design and construction of buildings ensuring the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in and around those buildings. They incorporate measures to conserve fuel and power and prevent waste, undue consumption, misuse or contamination of water. They also ensure buildings can be access and used by all people including those with disabilities.
When do I need to make an Application for Building Regulations Approval?
The following are examples of work that needs approval:
- Erect a building, eg a new dwelling.
- Make structural alterations to a building, eg remove a load-bearing wall.
- Extend an existing building, eg build on a kitchen.
- Install fittings or services in connection with a building, eg install a central heating system.
- Make a material change of use to a building, eg convert a house to flats.
- Renovate a thermal element such as replace roof tiles or re-render.
- Install replacement windows (If you do not use a Fensa or Certass registered company).
- Rewire or modify electrical installations to an existing dwelling (If you have not used a member of a Competent Person Self-Certification Scheme)
Who do I make an Application to?
If your property is within the Sheffield City boundary you can make an application to Sheffield City Council Building Standards. Our office is located at 2-10 Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield S9 2DB, contact us for futher information.
Are there any buildings Exempt from the Building Regulations?
Yes! There are buildings which are wholly exempt from the Building Regulations. For further details see advice notes 2, 3 and 4 and the guidance notes on Charges for Building Regulations Applications contact our office.
Do I have to pay anything when I make a Building Regulation Application?
Yes, there are normally two payments to be made. On submission of your application you pay a plan charge, then, once the work has commenced you will be invoiced for an inspection charge. More information is available on the guidance notes on Charges for Building Regulations Applications.
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When can I start work?
You can start work immediately after you have lodged your application with Sheffield Building Control. However you are obliged to give notice to us of your intent to commence work without approved plans. You should be aware that if you commence work before gaining approval, the works may not comply with the Building Regulations and the Building Control Officer may ask you to make alterations. Waiting for your approval gives you some protection against having to make costly amendments on site. Alternatively working in close liaison with our Building Control Officers will help alleviate any possible problems.
Who is responsible for ensuring that my building complies with the Building Regulations?
There are several people who bear the responsibility of ensuring the building complies with the Building Regulations. They include the building owner, the contractor, and the occupier. The Building Control Authority will provide plan assessment and a number of key inspections to determine compliance during construction.
On Completion or Occupation of work
There is a legal requirement that we be advised within 5 days of completion or occupation. A final inspection will be arranged and a completion certificate will be issued to the person who made the application where we are satisfied that the works are in compliance with the Building Regulations.
How do I know when the Building Control service is satisfied with the works?
A completion certificate will be issued to the person making the application, once Building Control are satisfied that the works are in compliance with the Building Regulations.