Applying for Building Regulations
You should submit a Building Regulations application prior to commencement of construction. A Building Inspector will then assess your proposals and, if they conform, issue an approval.
The application should include:
- Application form
- Plan fee (see section on costs)
- Drawings two sets of detailed scale drawings with relevant notes on or attached and showing service locations.
- Structural calculations/site investigations, depending on design and condition of site. Check with your local authority.
The council will acknowledge receipt of your application, from which time they will assign a Building Inspector to your case. They will have up to five weeks in which to assess your proposals and issue either an approval or refusal notice.
If your application conforms to Building Regulations Standards you will be issued an Approval Notice which may have conditions attached.
Following approval, the inspector will carry out a number of inspections at various stages of construction right through to completion whereupon they will issue a completion certificate.
Getting Started
As it often takes some weeks to organise temporary supplies it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities well in advance of commencing construction. If you are running the site yourself, this will be up to you to arrange. The site will require temporary services, such as power supply for tools and lighting and water supply for use when mixing materials and for cleaning and washing purposes. The site must also have WC facilities and somewhere protected from the elements for workmen to eat and take breaks. It is also a good idea to arrange to have a site office with a telephone connection.
Authorities to contact...
- Sewage Works
- Local Electricity Board
- Telephone Company
- Local Water Company
Alternatively, you could avoid contacting the first three service authorities by replacing them with: A chemical toilet, A generator, A mobile phone
However, you will almost certainly need a fresh running water supply.
Typical Building Regs Inspection Stages (Typical Notice Due)
- Commencement - 48 hours prior to inspection
- Excavation of foundations - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Concrete foundations - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Damp proof course - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Hardcore oversite - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Structural timbers - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Drain connection with sewer - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Drains inspection - 24 hours prior to inspection
- Drain backfilled and ready for test - within 5 days
- Final Completion or occupation before completion - 5 days prior to inspection