FAQ's
Q1: What are the Building Regulations?
National standards on levels of performance are laid down by parliament dealing with the construction of buildings. They are enforced by building control offices working for the 26 councils in Northern Ireland.
Q2: Why are they made?
To safeguard the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They also deal with energy conservation and access and facilities for disabled people.
Q3: What work is subject to control?
If you want to put up a new building or extend or alter an existing one, the Building Regulations will probably apply. They will also apply if you put a building to a differing use. Some work is exempt; if you need further advice please contact us. Planning permission may also be needed; please contact them on telephone number 0 28 4461 2211.
Q4: Do I need Building Regulation Approval?
- Do I need approval to build an extension on my house?
- Yes, but a porch or a ground level conservatory (with a transparent or translucent roof) under 30m2 in floor area may be exempt.
Q5: Do I need approval to convert my loft into a room?
Yes.
Q6: Do I need approval to make internal alteration within my house?
Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature, involve the removal or part removal or a load bearing construction (eg wall partition, joist, beam, chimney breast) or if, in altering a house of three storeys or more, work is necessary to maintain the means of escape in case of fire.
Q7: Do I need approval to install new windows in my house?
No, provided the window opening is not enlarged and the openable area is maintained. If a larger opening is required, then a structural alteration will take place and approval will be required. Some bay windows are also load bearing so their replacement will need approval.
Q8: Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house?
No, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof, repainting, replacing a small area of brickwork. Yes, if the repair consists of removing a major part of a wall and rebuilding it or underpinning a load bearing wall. In the case of re-roofing, if the new tiling or roofing material is heavier than the existing material, then an approval under building regulations is required.
Q9: What must I do to obtain approval?
If your building work requires Building Regulation approval, there are two procedures to choose from:
A Deposit of full plans
B The building notice
For full plans application, plans need to be drawn up, showing all constructional details. For the building notice procedure, less detailed plans are required, unless the project is large or complex.
Q10: Do I have to pay anything for the service?
Yes. A fee is payable to the council, unless the work is exempt. The building control department will advise you of the required fee and when the fee is do be paid.
Q11: When can I start work?
Once you have been given a building notice or submitted full plans, you can start work at any time, but you must give the council notice of your intention to do so.
Q12: Where can I obtain information on the standards to which I must build?
From technical booklets, published by her majesty’s stationary office, giving practical guidance on meeting the requirements of the regulations. However, you are not obliged to use any particular solution, if you prefer to meet the requirement of the regulations in another way.
Q13: What can I do if my plans are rejected?
You can resubmit them with amendments to make them comply with building regulations. Alternatively, if you think the decision to reject is not justified, appeal our decision. See our leaflet on giving you advice on this matter under 'documents' .
Q14: What happens if I do work without approval?
The council has to see that building work complies with regulations. If the work does not comply, you may be asked to alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the council may serve a notice requiring you to do so. We can regularise illegal works; please contact us for further information.
Q15: Is planning approval the same as building control approval?
No, planning deals with issues such as aesthetics, impact on the environment, traffic, neighbour notification etc. Building control is concerned with health and safety issues, energy conservation and disabled access and use of buildings.
Downpatrick Planning Office
Building Control
24 Strangford Road
Downpatrick
BT30 6SR
T: 0 28 4461 0800
F: 0 28 4461 0845