BUILDING REGULATIONS

The ODPM is responsible for Building Regulations, which exist principally to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial. Read more about Building Regulations...

In this section

In this section you can view an explanatory booklet which gives a clear concise overview for anyone intending to carry out building work. There are also documents and publications on the individual parts of the regulations and links to other related websites. 

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Building Regulations (Parts F&L): draft publications 2005
Interim versions of Approved Documents for Part F (ventilation) and Part L (energy efficiency) and other supporting material, made available in preparation for the changes sanctioned to the Building Regulations - coming into effect on 06 April 2006.

• The Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations
• Building Regulations Approved Documents and associated guidance
  • Practical guidance on ways to comply with the functional requirements outlined in the Building Regulations.
• Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet
  • Provides an introduction to the Building Regulations in England and Wales only and is intended for anyone proposing to carry out building projects. It is not a statement of the law but is intended to help you to understand the system.
• The Building control system
  • This covers both the Local Authority and the Approved Inspector Building Control systems; the First Secretary of State's Determinations and Appeals provisions; and the various Competent Persons Self-Certification Schemes.
• European Union and international regulations
• ODPM and architects
• Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC)
  • BRAC advises the relevant Secretary of State on the exercise of his power to make Building Regulations and on other related subjects, in England and Wales.
• Housing warranties
• The Party Wall etc Act 1996
  • Explains how the Party Wall etc Act 1996 ("the Act") may affect someone who either wishes to carry out work covered by the Act (the "Building Owner"), or receives notification under the Act of proposed adjacent work (the "Adjoining Owner").
• Regulatory Impact Assessments
• Building Regulations Research
• Divisional circular letters
• ODPM circulars related to Building Regulations
• Consultation papers
  • Current and archived consultation papers relating to Building Regulations.
• Links directory
• Building Regulations email contacts and quick links
  • Enquiry email addresses and quick links.