Building regulations approval
When you do not need approval
You do not need to apply for approval yourself if the work is not covered by building regulations, or if it’s carried out by someone who’s registered with a competent person scheme.
Work that does not need approval
You do not need building regulations approval for some exempt projects, including:
- most repairs, replacements and maintenance work (except heating systems, oil tanks, fuse boxes and glazing units)
- new power and lighting points, or changes to existing circuits (except around baths and showers)
- like-for-like replacements of baths, toilets, basins and sinks
Find out more about common projects and check when you do and do not need approval.
Check with a building control body if you’re still not sure what to do.
Hire a ‘competent person’
If your project needs approval but you’d rather not apply yourself, you can hire a tradesperson registered with a competent person scheme instead.
You must meet safety and energy efficiency standards even if you do not need formal approval.