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A number of minor buildings are exempt from the Building Regulations, as listed below. Full details can be found in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations and it is recommended that proposals for such buildings are run through a Building Control office:

Unless the work you propose is exempt, you must gain approval for your proposal from the relevant local authority. This can be done by making an application to the relevant local authority prior to the start of the work. Applications are in two forms: Full Plans/Building Notice.
Full Plans: This is the more generally applicable type of application. It requires that copies of all plans, specifications and calculations be submitted together with the appropriate application forms and fees. When satisfactory, the plans are approved and documentation is issued. Building work will be inspected by the local authority as it progresses.

 

Building Notice: Straightforward domestic schemes of work come under this application procedure. It only requires a limited range of fundamental information (excluding design plans), an application form and fee. While the Building Control Surveyor will anticipate potential problems and issue guidance, it is ultimately the responsibility of those carrying out the work to comply. Emphasis is laid on site supervision. To further help site assessment and verify compliance, plans and calculations may be called for.

 

Carrying out the work: Building Control Surveyors will inspect the work at statutory and crucial stages. Persons carrying out the work should liaise with the local authority to match the inspection regime with the contractor’s programme, and also give notice of commencement.

 

Completion: A final inspection will be made upon completion, so the local authority can issue a Completion Certificate indicating compliance and clearance

 

Competent Persons: The regulations allow for certain specialist operations to be exempted; self certified; or subject to alternative quality and inspection regimes by accredited persons, such as:

Local authorities have a legal duty to administer and enforce the Building Regulations within the Building Control Performance Standards framework. To assist, the District Surveyors Association, has developed a Quality Performance Matrix (QPM).

The QPM is a blueprint of delivering a high quality, cost effective service, which takes into account the customer relations, formal consultations, informal liaison, third party issues and public accountability issues required by the Building Regulations process. Building Control legislation allows appeals to be made to local authorities or Courts, and determinations and relaxations to be sought from the ODPM. Quick dispute resolution of issues can be determined via the LABC’s Adjudication service at a regional level.