Building regulations compliance is a completely separate process from Planning Approval. Almost all work to a property that involves structural changes will need to comply with Building Regulations – whether planning permission is needed or not.

During the building works the Building Inspector will visit site at certain key times - for example when the foundations have been excavated but before concrete has been poured - to give approval for the work to continue. The inspector will approve matters concerning the insulation, structure, drains and fire protection. This process is intended to ensure that all works are completed to the standards layed down in the 'Approved Documents' that sets out the standards for building work in England. (There are inspection fees to Building Control which are similar regardless of which method is chosen.)

There are 2 main ways of complying with the rules;

Builders Notice  - This is a quicker method that leaves the builder to decide on some of the details, such as type & make of insulation.

You or your builder complete a 'Builders Notice' which lets Building Control know that works are about to start. This must be done 2 days before the actual start.
Our basic planning & construction drawings include all the information needed for a Builders Notice.
The main advantages are speed and the builder may be able to save cost in the choice of materials, subject to approval by the building inspector who will visit at key stages.
This method is preferred if the works are relatively small or when you already have a builder in mind.

Full Plans Application - This takes longer but is advisable for larger or more complex works.

 We complete & submit this on your behalf.  You could start work 3 days after the submission is registered with Building Control but are better waiting for approval.
The drawings for a Full Plans include a detailed specification of all the insulation and structural details including make and quanity leaving no discretion to the contractor. These drawings are then checked and agreed with the building inspector before you invite tenders.
The process takes 4 - 5 weeks to complete and we charge a fee depending on the size of the project.
The main advantage is that all the builders tendering are quoting like for like and as the detail has been agreed with the local Building Inspector in advance there is less chance of changes that effect the cost.

An example may help to clarify the difference.

In a standard construction drawing the notes relating to the roof insulation may say ; 'roof to be insulated to comply with current building regulations and to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector'  leaving the choice of the type of insulation to the builder.

In a Full Plans Application the drawing might say; 'Insulate between rafters with 100 mm Kingspan K7 & under Rafters with Kingspan 37.5 mm K18 insulated Plasterboard -all to give min U value of 0.20/M2k' this specification is then checked and approved by the building Inspectors.

Which to choose?
If the works are small or you have already decided on the builder then builders notice is sufficient. For larger projects or if you are inviting tenders from several builders you should opt for a Full Plans Application.

Click here to see how we can help with Your Full Plans Application.