Building Regulations The Building Regulations are made under powers described in the Building Act 1984. All types of building work have to comply under this act and ensure safe building practices and good workmanship. There is a legal requirement for all new building work and certain types of alterations to comply with Building Regulations.The regulations are constantly being updated, changed or amended and therefore unless the work is very minor, it is advisable to employ qualified professionals like ourselves to help you through this process. There are two stages in obtaining Building Regulation Full Plans Approval: The Building Control Department of your Local Authority will check the plans that have been submitted to ensure they comply with the regulations and allied legislation. This process may require the plans to be altered or additional information being requested. When Building Control is satisfied that the proposal complies with the legislation, "Full Plans Approval" will be given. Occasionally, a "Conditional Approval" may be issued which list items, which are required to be approved prior to certain parts of the work being commenced. An example is when roof truss calculations are requested, as most truss manufacturers will not provide the necessary calculations until an order has been placed. At commencement of the works the Local Authority will appoint a Building Control Surveyor to inspect the work at various stages of the construction and issue a Compliance Certificate upon completion. The Local Authority issues a list of the statutory inspections required at the time of approval. It is the owner responsibility to ensure that the contractor makes the appropriate requests for inspection to the Local Authority whilst that stage of the works is still visible. The fees for the above will depend upon the type of work involved and are set by the Local Authority. There are two fees involved:A plan fee is required at the time of submission of the plans for approval. First inspection fee is invoiced to the owner at commencement of the works. A Structural Engineer may be required design and prepare the necessary structural calculations to be submitted with the Building Regulations Application. For further details on the Building Regulations and allied legislation go to our links page where you can access one of the Local Authorities in East Kent. Additional information you need to know if you intend to carry out Building Work . Planning & Building Regulations Submissions Aspect Building Surveyors    Architectural Services © Aspect Building Surveyors 2010