Which interior works need building regulation approval?

1. Structural Changes:

• Removing or altering load-bearing walls: Any work that affects the structure of your property, such as removing or altering walls that support the building (e.g., load-bearing internal walls), needs approval.

• Creating new openings for doors or windows: If you’re altering the structure of external or internal walls to create a new opening or widening an existing one.

2. Electrical Work:

• New circuits: Any work involving the installation of new electrical circuits, such as new lighting or power outlets, requires approval.

• Upgrading or modifying existing circuits: Significant changes to electrical systems, including re-wiring or adding new installations.

• Electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms: Electrical work in certain rooms (like kitchens or bathrooms) may have stricter regulations due to safety concerns.

(If you’re doing minor work, like replacing light fittings or switches, you typically don’t need approval, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to check.)

3. Plumbing Work:

• New plumbing installations: This includes installation of new water supply systems, drainage, or heating systems.

• Installing or altering heating systems: This includes any work with central heating or underfloor heating systems.

4. Loft Conversions:

• Conversions to use the loft space: This includes creating a new room, adding windows or a skylight, or changing the roof structure.

5. Conversions and Extensions:

• Changing the use of rooms: If you're converting a space into a different use (e.g., turning a basement into a habitable room or a loft into a bedroom), you'll need approval to ensure it meets safety and health standards.

• Adding extensions: Even if the extension is internal (e.g., a conservatory), it often needs approval for things like structural integrity, fire safety, and ventilation.

6. Insulation and Energy Efficiency:

• Insulating a new floor: Any new floors (including concrete floors) need approval for thermal performance.

• Installing or upgrading insulation: This applies to walls, floors, or roof insulation to meet energy efficiency standards.

7. Fire Safety and Emergency Escapes:

• Creating or altering escape routes: Any changes to staircases or corridors, including introducing new exits or widening existing ones for fire safety, require approval.

• Fire doors: If you’re installing or replacing fire doors, particularly in certain parts of a property like flats or houses with multiple occupancy.

8. Ventilation:

• Bathroom and kitchen ventilation: Installations that affect air quality or airflow in certain parts of the house may need approval, especially if there is an existing ventilation system that’s being altered or replaced.

9. Change of Heating System:

• Installing a new boiler: You may need approval if you're replacing or installing a new boiler or central heating system to ensure that it complies with regulations.

When You Don’t Need Building Regulation Approval:

Some works do not require approval, such as:

• Decorating: Painting, wallpapering, or putting up shelves.

• Replacing kitchen units: Provided no structural or electrical changes are being made.

• Replacing internal doors: Without changing the structure.

• Fitting new flooring: As long as you’re not altering the structure of the floors.

When You Don’t Need Building Regulation Approval:

Some works do not require approval, such as:

• Decorating: Painting, wallpapering, or putting up shelves.

• Replacing kitchen units: Provided no structural or electrical changes are being made.

• Replacing internal doors: Without changing the structure.

• Fitting new flooring: As long as you’re not altering the structure of the floors.