Extensions - A homeowner’s guide to expanding your living space - Domestic Extensions, Planning, Building Regulations, Finding Experts

Oct 29, 2026

Step-by-step guidance for homeowners planning domestic extensions and conversions, explaining how to plan projects and navigate planning permissions and building regulations. Covers what building regulations are, why compliance matters for safety, warmth, and energy efficiency, and the consequences of non-compliance. Details when approval is required, the difference between building regulations approval and planning permission, the role of competent persons and notifications, and how records support selling a home with compliance certificates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Building Regulations

What are the building regulations?

Building Notice

Competent Persons

Planning and Other Permissions

Finding Experts

Extensions

Conversions

Alterations

Energy Efficiency

Further Information

EXTENSIONS A homeowner’s guide to expanding your living space DOMESTIC EXTENSIONS | PLANNING | BUILDING REGULATIONS | FINDING EXPERTS Contents Introduction ....................................................... 3 Building Regulations ........................................... 4 Competent Persons............................................. 8 Planning and Other Permissions........................... 10 Finding Experts .................................................. 13 Extensions ......................................................... 17 Conversions........................................................ 24 Alterations ......................................................... 38 Energy Efficiency ................................................ 40 Further Information ............................................ 47 Designed and published by Building Control Communications (part of zinc media), Kings House, Royal Court, Brook Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 7AE Tel: (01625) 613000 [www.zincmedia.com](www.zincmedia.com) Ref BAZ 2021© Building Control Communications. All rights reserved. I want to extend my living spaceWhere do I start Extensions and conversions have become an increasingly popular way to maximise living space in the home. If done well, they can also add significant value to a property. With house prices continuing to rise and the cost and upheaval of moving house – £20,000 on average – extending your home or converting an underutilised space such as the loft can often make more economic sense than buying a new property. The type and scale of extensions and conversions can differ greatly – a lot will depend on your needs and requirements, the budget and the suitability of the site. Building an extension or converting your loft can be a daunting prospect. There are lots of things to consider before you start – but by choosing ochford District Council for your building control service you’re already on the right track. While not a substitute for professional advice, this step-by-step guide should give you a better understanding of the main challenges you are likely to face, and in particular, how the building regulations will affect the design and construction of your project. 2 3 Building Regulations As a homeowner, before you construct or change a building in certain ways you must check if you need building regulations approval. The building regulations are detailed technical standards set down by the Government to make sure homes are built to reasonable standard and are safe, warm and dry. They also cover areas such as fire safety, energy consumption and accessibility. Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission and you might need both – the latter will depend on the scale and extent of your project. All extensions and conversion projects will need building regulations approval and its best to talk to your local authority building control team for advice and guidance before you begin your project. This is usually provided free of charge and could save you a lot of time and money. What will happen if I do not comply with the building regulations? Building works that do not comply with the building regulations are in breach and must be rectified to avoid prosecution or fines. Furthermore, if the work is found to be faulty or dangerous, or if it doesn’t meet energy efficiency standards, your local authority could insist you put it right at your own expense. You should notify your local authority building control team before works commence, unless the works are carried out by a registered installer on a competent person scheme who can self-certify that their work is compliant. If this does not happen, then the local authority will have no record that the work complies with building regulations. These records will be important when you come to sell your home as you will be asked to provide compliance certificates during th

FAQs

Do extensions and conversions always need building regulations approval?

Yes. The document states that all extension and conversion projects will need building regulations approval, and homeowners should talk to their local authority building control team for guidance before starting.

What happens if the work does not comply with building regulations?

Non-compliant building work is a breach and must be rectified to avoid prosecution or fines. If the work is faulty, dangerous, or fails energy efficiency standards, the local authority could require corrections at the homeowner’s expense.

What is the difference between building regulations approval and planning permission?

Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. The document notes that you might need both, depending on the scale and extent of the project.

Oct 29, 2026

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