Building Regulations for Extensions: A Brief Guide to Achieving Compliance

a home extension in the process of construction
(Image credit: getty images)

Most architects and designers will be very familiar with building regulations for extensions, while most builders know from experience what complies and what doesn’t. 

It’s not unusual for a home extension to be built without the need for a formal planning application, thanks to Permitted Development (PD).  However, there is still a legal obligation for homeowners to ensure that construction work complies with Building Regulations

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A Guide to Building Regulations Approved Documents / Sections in England, Wales and Scotland
Header Cell - Column 0 England and WalesScotland
Structural SurveyPart ASection 1
Fire Safety Part BSection 2
Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisturePart CSection 3
Toxic substancesPart D-
Resistance to passage of soundPart ESection 5
VentilationPart FSection 3
Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiencyPart GSection 3
Drainage and waste disposalPart HSection 3
Heat producing appliancesPart JSection 3
Protection from fallingPart K (includes glazing safety in England)Section 4
Conservation of fuel and powerPart LSection 6
Access to and use of buildingsPart MSection 4
Glazing safety Part NSection 4
Electrical safety Part PSection 4
Security Part QSection 4
High-speed electronic communications networks Part RSection 4
Ian Rock

Chartered surveyor Ian Rock MRICS is a director is Rightsurvey.co.uk and the author of eight popular Haynes House Manuals, including the Home Extension Manual, the Self Build Manual and Period Property Manual.


Ian is also the founder of Zennor Consultants. In addition to providing house surveys, Zennor Consultants provide professional guidance on property refurbishment and maintenance as well as advising on the design and construction of home extensions and loft conversions, including planning and Building Regulations compliance.


Ian has recently added a 100m2 extension to his home; he designed and project managed the build and completed much of the interior fit-out on a DIY basis.