Do you need to consider Building Regulations with DIY Conservatories?

One question we are often asked here at DIY2Go Conservatories is do the building regulations affect me on my purchase of a DIY Conservatory? Luckily the answer is usually no, but for the purposes of clarification we have written this short article explaining the circumstances where the Building Regulations may affect you.

What are Building Regulations?

Building Regulations are a set of standards which have to be followed in the building of a structure. They are not related to the structure’s actual location and should be considered as a separate issue to Planning Permission.

Please note that the information which follows relates only to sites in England and Wales. Separate Building Regulations exists for sites in Scotland. The existence of local By-laws may also need to be considered.

A conservatory is exempt from any controls laid out under Building Regulations if it meets the following requirements:

• The floor area is less than 30m2. (Schedule 2: 1992 Reg.: 9)
• It is built at ground level. (Schedule 2: 1992 Reg.: 9)
• It is glazed in accordance with the requirements of Part N of the Building Regulations.
• It is separated from a habitable room by a door.

If any of these requirements are not met then Building Regulations Application will be required. In all cases however, it is sensible to check with the local authorities concerned that the proposed base and structure are adequate.

Please note: If the conservatory is in the proximity of a balanced flue, the Gas Safety Regulations (1984) Sl/1984 No. 1358 may be relevant.

If a Building Regulations Application is required for your DIY Conservatory

If a Building Regulations Application is required, then the Local Authority Building Control department must be contacted. The matter will be dealt with by a Building Inspector, who will:

• Check the drawings to confirm that they meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.
• Inspect the Building works to ensure you are building in accordance with the Building Regulations.
• The Building Inspector is empowered to force work to be redone if it not satisfactory. This service requires a fee to be paid to cover both the submission costs and the subsequent visits of the Building Inspector.