Building control exemptions

Some types of building work can be done without notifying building control. 

These include:

• Most minor repairs and maintenance work (although replacing fuel-burning appliances or oil tanks, electrical fuse boxes or windows and doors will need to be notified. This is often done by members of a Competent Person scheme.
• Replacing less than 25% of an item (roof, wall or floor) like-for-like.
• The addition of power and lighting points and alterations to existing electrical circuits (as long as they aren't around baths and showers).
• Replacing baths, toilets, basins or sinks with similar fittings.
• Boundary and garden walls, fences and gates.

Other types of building work can be 'exempt' from the building regulations but only if they meet certain criteria. These include:

• Outbuildings (eg, greenhouses, new detached garages, sheds, summerhouses, carports)
• Buildings not frequented by people (for example containing plant and only visited for maintenance or access)
• Conservatories under certain conditions
• Porches under certain conditions
• Some agricultural buildings, for example a barn or stables used for keeping animals
• Temporary buildings such as a marquee erected for less than 28 days
• Satellite dishes

Further information

For a more extensive list visit the building control exemptions page on the LABC website.