New buildings
Most new buildings will need Building Regulations approval. These regulations help ensure that buildings are safe, energy efficient, and accessible. They cover important areas such as fire safety, structural stability, drainage, ventilation, and insulation.
You’ll need to apply for Building Regulations approval if your new building meets any of the following criteria:
- It includes sleeping accommodation
- It’s a single-storey building with a floor area over 30m²
- It has more than one storey
- It has a floor area over 15m² and could pose a fire risk (see exemptions for full details)
What’s exempt?
Some small detached buildings are exempt from Building Regulations. These include:
- Small outbuildings like garages or workshops with no sleeping accommodation
- Greenhouses not used for retail, display, or packing
- Agricultural buildings used solely for housing animals
- Nuclear shelters
For more technical guidance on exemptions, including size, materials, and construction methods, visit our exemptions page.
Apply for building regulations approval
Planning permission
Check if your conversion project needs planning permission before starting work.