BUILDING WORK, REPLACEMENTS & REPAIRS TO YOUR HOME


Read this before starting any work!

It is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations when undertaking the majority of building works in the home, and for most types of work this requires an application to be submitted to the Local Authority Building Control department.

However, some jobs in the home do not need to be notified to and approved by your Local Authority Building Control provided that they are carried out by an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme. Examples include:
  • Replacement windows and doors.
  • Notifiable electrical works
  • Extension to central heating systems
  • New installation or replacement of heating system or any boiler or heat producing appliance, regardless of fuel type
  • New installation or replacement of an oil tank

PLEASE NOTE:
THESE ARE EXAMPLES AND ARE NOT EXHAUSTIVE. IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEED TO NOTIFY WORK BEING CARRIED OUT THEN CONTACT BUILDING CONTROL.

What will happen if I do not comply with the Building Regulations?
  • If you do not comply the work will not be legal. You could be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £5000.
  • The work may not be safe or could cause health problems. It may also not be energy efficient.
  • If work is found to be faulty the Local Authority could insist you put it right at your own expense.
  • If the work has not been notified to the Local Authority or carried out by a registered installer from a Competent Person Scheme you will have no record that the work complies with Building Regulations. This will be important when you come to sell your home as you will be asked to provide certificates of compliance with the Building Regulations as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP).

Why should I use an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme?
  • An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme is qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations and will deal with Building Control issues for you. You will usually have access to insurance backed warranties and a robust complaints procedure to use in the unlikely event work is found to be non compliant.
  • An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme will notify the Local Authority on your behalf and will issue you with a certificate on completion which can be used as proof of compliance for the HIP. It will also show up on a solicitors Local Authority search when you sell your home.
  • If you do not use an installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme then you will have to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to have Building Control come and inspect the work you have carried out.


Below is a list of the types of work covered by Competent Person Schemes
  • Installation or replacement of oil-fired boilers, tanks and associated hot water and heating systems
APHC, BESCA, NAPIT, NICEIC, OFTEC
  • Installation or replacement of solid fuel burners and associated hot water and heating systems
APHC, BESCA, HETAS, NAPIT, NICEIC
  • Installation or replacement of hot water and heating systems
APHC, BESCA, CORGI, NAPIT, NICEIC
  • Installation of fixed air conditioning systems
CORGI, NAPIT, NICEIC
  • Electric lighting or electric heating systems
ECA, NICEIC
  • Electrical work (Fully Part P compliant)
BSI, EC Certification, ELECSA, NICEIC, NAPIT
  • Electrical work in association with other work (kitchen installations, boiler installations)
APHC, CORGI, ELECSA, NAPIT, NICEIC, OFTEC
  • Replacement windows and doors
BSI, CERTASS, FENSA
  • Installation of bathrooms, toilets, washing facilities
APHC, CORGI, NAPIT, NICEIC


These schemes have been listed alphabetically. This does not reflect the size of the scheme or whether the scheme specialises in dealing with a particular type of work. Some schemes may not have local members who deal with the type of work that you are interested in. Contact numbers for the above schemes are available via our Competent Person Schemes page.

For further advice as to whether your proposed building works are covered by the Building Regulations, please contact us.



Page last updated on: 10/03/2010