Emily Rivers
If you’re looking to get wall cladding or rendering done to the exterior of your home, there are cases where you may need building regulations approval. But when do these rules come into effect? Read on to find out when building regulations may apply to your cladding or rendering work.
What are building regulations?
Building regulations are a set of standards for construction and design. Most buildings are legally obliged to meet them because they work to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. They also make sure that buildings are energy efficient and have good disabled access.
When do building regulations apply to wall cladding and rendering?
If you re-render, re-clad or re-plaster more than 25% of your external walls, you’ll need to apply for building regulations approval. You’ll also need to improve the thermal insulation of your property. This is because since many homes have been built, the rules for energy efficiency have changed.
How do I apply for building regulations approval?
When you do building work, you need to inform your local authority. You can do this in three different ways:
- when the work has reached a certain stage. After that, the local authority may come to make an inspection of how the work is going and to check everything complies with building regulations.
- choose a local authority building control service to make your application for approval. There are three different types and you will have to pay to make these applications. They differ between local authority, so you should check to see how much it will cost you.
- use a builder registered with a competent persons scheme. They may be able to self-certify that some or all of the work meets building regulations.
Don’t forget that your cladding and rendering work may need planning permission too. Take a look at our article to find out when you may need to apply for planning permission for external wall cladding and rendering work.
