BUILDING REGULATIONS IN THE UK

The procedure covered in this article mainly relates to the Building Regulations as they apply in England and Wales. In Scotland there are significant differences. For example, work cannot start until a building warrant has been issued (you can technically commence on site before regs approval has been granted in England and Wales if you wish, although you’ll then need to secure retrospective approval). In addition, a new house cannot be occupied unless a habitation certificate has been issued at the end of the build.

Other than that, the Scottish system is pretty flexible. The guidance here is contained in what’s known as the Building Standards Technical Handbooks; a separate part of which covers houses. The Technical Handbook Domestic version is accompanied by a Procedural Handbook and a Certification Handbook. When it comes to Northern Ireland, the Building Regulations are set out in a series of 15 technical booklets. But generally speaking, all of the requirements for construction found in the four areas of the UK are quite similar.