Do I need building control?

In general, for minor repairs, this includes activities such as re-pointing and replacing small sections of brickwork. However, approval is necessary if the repair involves removing a significant portion of a wall and rebuilding it.

Major renovation work may also require an application, especially if it involves renovating a thermal element such as the roof, external walls, or floors, and more than 25 percent of that element is affected. This can apply to various tasks, including re-roofing, re-rendering, re-plastering, and re-flooring. 

Building regulations now mandate that insulation within these elements be upgraded as part of the renovation work to meet new standards. The requirements can be quite complex, so we recommend contacting us to discuss the specifics of your project.

This will depend on the type of building work. Contact building control via email - building.control@lewisham.gov.uk.

You need approval for any alterations that are structural in nature. This includes the removal or partial removal of load-bearing elements such as walls, partitions, joists, beams, or chimney breasts. Additionally, if the alterations are necessary to maintain safe escape routes in case of fire, you will also require approval. 

If you want to install or alter the position of a WC or bath, you will need an inspection. If the fittings are replaced in the same location using existing waste pipes, you don't need to obtain approval.

You should apply for regularisation. 

If you are planning to install or alter the position of a heating appliance, you will need an inspection:

• gas, solid fuel or oil heating: you will need an inspection unless the work is carried out by a properly registered installer.
• hot water storage heating: you will need an inspection if the system is unvented (under direct mains pressure)

See current competent persons schemes to find a registered installer.

As of April 2002, all replacement glazing must comply with Building Regulations. This means that any new windows or doors installed must meet strict thermal performance standards designed to reduce energy loss, which is essential for achieving national and global energy-saving targets.

When you decide to sell your property, potential buyers' surveyors will require proof that any replacement glazing installed after April 2002 complies with current building regulations and is certified by FENSA.

You can demonstrate compliance by either obtaining approval from Building Control through an application or by hiring a properly registered contractor who can self-certify their work.

• find a registered contractor on current competent person schemes
• find a FENSA approved installer

Building control is not needed if your contractor is FENSA approved. If you’re submitting a building notice and your contractor is not a FENSA registered, you must inform building control two working days before work begins.

No, a Building Regulations Certification can be issued through a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS).

An outbuilding is a detached structure on a property, separate from the main dwelling, that serves purposes related to the enjoyment of the house. Examples include sheds, garages, workshops, and garden rooms.

These do not usually need approval, subject to certain limitations, if unsure, contact us.

If it is attached to the main dwelling and connected via an internal interconnecting door, the proposed annexe will be treated as part of the main dwelling.

If on the other hand it is self-contained and not connected via an internal door, it will be treated as a separate dwelling. This will have implications for fire separation and sound proofing between the dwellings.

Contact us to discuss your particular project to see how the regulations will affect you.

If you are planning to build a conservatory or any type of extension on your home, you may need to apply for a build over agreement from Thames Water. 

You will need to apply for this agreement if your home is situated within 3 meters of a public drain or within 1 meter of a public lateral drain before doing any works.

If you would like to build a retaining (external) wall to build a driveway you’ll also need to seek permission from Thames Water.

• find out about build over agreements with Thames Water

You'll need to submit a building notice. 

Contact the relevant trade association to ask for a list of members in your area. Many trade associations have protection schemes and will help to resolve disputes.

You can try these external websites to find a reliable builder or contractor:

• Federation of Master Builders
• National Federation of Builders
• Gas Safe
• Chartered Institute of Plumbing

Electricians:

• Electrical Contractors’ Association
• National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
• National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers
• Competent Persons Scheme

If you experience problems with the services of your contractor or supplier, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Advice service on 0845 4040 506.

No. There is no requirement in the building regulations for you to consult your neighbours, but it would be courteous to do so. Objections can be raised under other legislation, particularly if your proposal is subject to approval under the Town and Country Planning Acts.

Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that building work complies with building regulations. If your work does not meet these regulations, we may require you to make changes or remove it. Failing to comply with this request could lead to a legal notice being issued, and prosecution may be pursued as a last resort.

If you have already completed work without the necessary approval, you can apply for retrospective approval by submitting a regularisation application. You will need to provide all required information, and in some cases, invasive investigations may be necessary. This could involve removing floors or ceilings or exposing foundations to allow the surveyor to assess whether the building complies with regulations.

Yes. If you contravene the regulations by building without notifying us or by carrying out work which does not comply, we can commence proceedings which may lead to an unlimited fine and a criminal record.