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Do Building Regulations apply to me?

Local Authority Control | Approved Inspectors Control | Do Regulations Apply?

If any part of your project amounts to 'building work' then it must comply with building regulations. "Building work" can include the following:

Put up a new building, or extend or alter an existing one (i.e. by converting a loft space into living space)
Provide services/or fittings in a building such as
Washing and sanitary facilities
Hot water cylinder
Foul water and rain water drainage
Replacement windows
Fuel burning appliances of any type

Although the responsibility for complying with building regulations rests with the person carrying out the work, the owner of the building can be served with an enforcement notice if the completed work does not comply.

Therefore, you should confirm from the outset whether or not your builder or building company will ensure that their work complies with the building regulations, and whether or not they will liaise with the building control services.

What about the neighbours?

Consultation with neighbours is not required under the building regulations, but it may be sensible to keep them informed: bad feelings between neighbours can lead to civil action for the modification or removal of the work.

Boundary lines

Check boundary lines to make sure there are no deeds of covenant that dissallow certain types of building work close to or directly adjoining a neighbour’s property.

In addition (as part of the Party Wall Act, 1996), if excavation or construction work is carried out within three to six meters of an adjoining property, you must strengthen or safeguard the foundations of that property if necessary, at no expense to them.

The act also states that it is an offence to refuse the right to enter and remain on the land to anyone who is required for the carrying out of such work.