Do I Need Building Control

Whether you're planning a home extension, knocking through a wall, or converting your loft, one question always comes up: do I need building control approval? The answer depends on what kind of work you're doing, but in many cases, the answer is yes.

Building control exists to make sure that building work complies with legal safety and performance standards. It applies to structural changes, electrical installations, insulation upgrades, drainage work, and much more. If the work could affect the safety, structure, or long-term performance of a property, it probably needs to be checked and signed off.

When Building Control is Required

Building control approval is typically needed for any project that involves altering the structure of a property. This includes building new homes, extensions, converting a garage or loft, removing load-bearing walls, or changing the use of a building. Installing new windows or doors where none existed before, altering drainage, or installing new heating systems also usually requires approval.

Some electrical work, such as rewiring or work in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, must be carried out by a registered professional or approved through building control. Even fitting a new roof or changing insulation can trigger the need for inspections.

It doesn’t matter whether the work is large or small—what matters is whether it falls under the scope of the building regulations.

When You Might Not Need Building Control

Not all work requires building control. If you're doing basic maintenance, decorating, or minor non-structural repairs, you're unlikely to need approval. Replacing a kitchen or bathroom suite, repainting, putting up shelves, or laying carpets are all considered cosmetic improvements and fall outside the scope of building control.

Some minor works can be carried out without formal approval if they’re done by someone registered with a Competent Person Scheme. In these cases, the contractor certifies the work themselves, and the homeowner receives a certificate of compliance.

Even so, it’s always worth checking. Rules can vary depending on the type of property, whether it’s listed, or located in a conservation area. A quick conversation with your local building control body or an approved inspector can give you a clear answer before work begins.

The Risks of Skipping Building Control

If you carry out work that requires building control but don’t get approval, you’re exposing yourself to a range of problems. The local authority has the power to demand changes or even demolish unauthorised work. You might also struggle to sell your home in the future, as solicitors will often ask for building control certificates as part of the conveyancing process.

Insurance claims may be denied if the work was not approved, and you could be held liable for any damage or injury resulting from unsafe alterations. In short, skipping building control is rarely worth the risk.

How to Get Approval

If your work does need building control, you can apply through your local council or use a private approved inspector. You’ll typically choose between a full plans application, which includes detailed drawings and calculations, or a building notice, which is faster but suited only to straightforward domestic work.

Once approved, an inspector will visit the site at various stages to ensure the work is being done properly. At the end of the job, you’ll receive a completion certificate to confirm everything complies with the regulations.

Common Home Improvements That Require Approval

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that seemingly minor jobs can require building control approval. Removing a chimney breast, for example, isn’t just about aesthetics — it can affect the structural integrity of the entire building. Even if the chimney is no longer in use, taking it out without proper support can lead to serious problems.

Fitting rooflights or skylights can also trigger the need for building control. These changes affect the structure of the roof and the way heat and moisture move through the building. They can also impact fire safety and insulation performance, so they’re closely regulated.

Basement conversions nearly always require approval because of the range of issues involved. These include structural support, damp-proofing, ventilation, ceiling height, and emergency exits. Any habitable room created below ground level must meet strict safety and comfort standards.

Detached garden rooms or office pods may seem straightforward, but once you add plumbing, electricity, or a sleeping area, they fall under building regulations. The purpose and design of the structure determine whether it must be inspected and approved.

Underpinning, which involves strengthening the foundations of a building, is another type of work that definitely requires oversight. Because it alters how a property carries weight, it must be carried out to precise specifications and checked at key stages.

Special Property Conditions That Affect Approval

Some properties are subject to additional rules because of their status or location. Listed buildings or those in conservation areas often require both planning permission and building control approval. These properties have historical or architectural value, and even small changes are closely monitored.

If your home shares a wall with another property, such as in a terrace or semi-detached house, the Party Wall Act may apply. This is separate from building control but runs alongside it. Structural changes in one property can affect neighbouring homes, so extra precautions are needed.

Flats are subject to tighter regulations than houses. This is especially true when changes affect communal areas, escape routes, or fire compartmentation. Any structural work in a flat — including removing internal walls — should always be assessed for building control needs.

Homes built in flood-risk areas or on unstable ground may also have extra conditions. Drainage, foundations, and damp-proofing are under greater scrutiny in these cases to ensure the work stands up to environmental challenges.

Building Control and Emergency Work

In an emergency, safety comes first. If urgent repairs are needed to prevent danger or further damage — such as fixing a collapsed ceiling or securing dangerous electrics — it may not be possible to get building control approval before the work begins. In these situations, you must inform building control as soon as possible after the work starts. Clear records, receipts, and photographs can help support any retrospective approval process. This ensures that even urgent work is still checked and signed off when conditions allow.

The Role of Building Control for Landlords

Landlords have a legal obligation to keep their properties safe and habitable. Any building work carried out in a rental property must comply with building regulations, especially if it affects structure, fire safety, or means of escape. Converting a property into an HMO, or House in Multiple Occupation, introduces additional responsibilities. These include installing fire doors, alarms, emergency lighting, and ensuring proper separation between units.

Failure to get the necessary approval can put tenants at risk and lead to prosecution or enforcement action. It can also invalidate insurance policies and create major legal liabilities for the property owner.

How Building Control Protects Property Owners

While some see building control as an inconvenience, it offers real benefits. Properties that have documentation showing approved work are generally easier to sell. Buyers and solicitors often request building control certificates during conveyancing, and having them to hand can prevent delays or renegotiations.

Inspections also help identify problems early. Instead of discovering defects after the project is complete, issues are caught and corrected during construction, saving money and stress later on.

When work is done under proper oversight, homeowners have stronger legal protection. If problems emerge, it’s easier to prove who was responsible and whether the work met legal standards. It also provides peace of mind that the builder followed best practice and the finished job is safe, durable, and fully compliant.

Final Word

If you're planning any kind of building work, asking whether you need building control is not just a formality—it's a vital part of doing things properly. Getting it wrong can lead to delays, fines, or worse. Getting it right means peace of mind, legal protection, and a safer, more reliable result. When in doubt, ask the question early, get clear advice, and make sure your project is backed by proper approval from the start.