Building Regulations explained: the Approved Documents A to S

How they work

In England the law is the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended). They state the requirements in broad terms, such as that a building must be structurally safe or must provide means of escape. Approved Documents give practical guidance on ways to meet those requirements. You are not obliged to follow the Approved Documents, but if you do, it is generally accepted that you have complied. You can use other methods if you can show compliance.

The Approved Documents

The documents are lettered by topic. In summary:

• A Structure
• B Fire safety
• C Site preparation, and resistance to contaminants and moisture
• D Toxic substances
• E Resistance to the passage of sound
• F Ventilation
• G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
• H Drainage and waste disposal
• J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
• K Protection from falling, collision and impact
• L Conservation of fuel and power
• M Access to and use of buildings
• O Overheating
• P Electrical safety in dwellings
• Q Security in dwellings
• R Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks
• S Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles
• 7 Materials and workmanship

Some of these are split between dwellings and other buildings. See, for example, Fire safety in design, Accessible design, Overheating and Energy and carbon.

In England the law is the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended).

What needs approval

Most new buildings, extensions, many alterations (such as removing a structural wall, altering drainage, installing a new bathroom or heating, replacing windows or changing use) need to comply and are checked by building control. Some minor works are exempt. Always check before you start.

The process

1. Choose a building control body. See Building control.
2. Make an application. Often a full plans application with drawings and calculations, or, for some smaller works, a building notice.
3. Get comments or approval. The building control body checks the design against the regulations.
4. Notify stages. As work proceeds, you tell building control at set points (such as foundations, damp-proofing, drainage, and before covering up structure) so that inspections can take place.
5. Completion certificate. When the work is finished and satisfactory, building control issues a completion certificate. Keep it safe, as buyers and lenders will ask for it.

Higher-risk buildings

Taller residential buildings and some other buildings are subject to a stricter regime under the Building Safety Act 2022. See The Building Safety Act.

Common mistakes

• Starting work without approval or before notifying.
• Covering work before inspection.
• Assuming planning permission covers Building Regulations. It does not. See Planning permission in England.
• Using materials or workmanship that do not meet the standards.
• Not keeping records and certificates.

If work has been done without approval

You may be able to regularise it with a certificate from the building control body, though the process can involve opening up work for inspection. Get advice.

In short

Building Regulations are the minimum standards of safe, healthy and efficient construction. Design to them early, use a building control body, get inspections, and keep your completion certificate.

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