BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS IN CORNWALL

A complete guide to building regulations for house extensions in Cornwall. What you need to know to stay compliant.

What are Building Regulations?

Building regulations are a set of minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings in England. They cover structural safety, fire safety, energy efficiency, drainage, accessibility and other aspects of building performance. Building regulations approval is required for all extensions, regardless of whether planning permission is needed.

Structural Requirements

Building regulations require that extensions are structurally sound and safe. This includes adequate foundations, structural walls, floors and roofs. A structural engineer’s calculations are required for most extensions. We work with approved structural engineers to ensure all our extensions meet current building regulations requirements.

Fire Safety Requirements

Building regulations require that extensions meet fire safety standards. This includes fire-resistant construction between the extension and the existing house, smoke alarms, escape routes and, in some cases, sprinkler systems. We always ensure our extensions meet current fire safety requirements.

Energy Efficiency Requirements

Building regulations require that extensions meet current energy efficiency standards (Part L). This includes insulation to walls, floors and roofs, double or triple glazed windows and doors, and efficient heating systems. We always specify insulation and glazing that meets or exceeds current building regulations requirements.

Drainage and Plumbing

Building regulations require that drainage and plumbing in extensions is properly designed and installed. This includes surface water drainage, foul water drainage and water supply. We work with qualified plumbers and drainage engineers to ensure all drainage work meets current building regulations requirements.

Electrical Installations

All electrical work in extensions must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This requires that electrical installations are designed and installed by a competent person, and that the work is notified to the local authority. We work with qualified electricians who are registered with a competent person scheme.

Building Control Approval Process

Building regulations approval can be obtained through Cornwall Council’s building control service or through an approved inspector. The process involves submitting plans for approval before work starts, and having the work inspected at key stages during construction. We manage the building control process on behalf of our clients.

Completion Certificates

When building regulations work is completed, a completion certificate is issued by the building control body. This certificate is important evidence that the work meets building regulations requirements, and is required when selling the property. We ensure that all our clients receive completion certificates for all building regulations work.

Building Regulations Specialists in Cornwall

Fully Compliant Extension Builders in Cornwall

A.V.A Building & Construction Ltd manage the building regulations process for all our clients across Truro, Falmouth and surrounding villages in Cornwall. As members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, all our work is fully insured and guaranteed.

Contact us today for a free consultation on 01872 719546 or email avabuildingltd@outlook.com.

Contemporary white render house extension with large patio — AVA Building, Truro Cornwall
Detached house with landscaped front garden — AVA Building & Construction, Truro Cornwall

FAQ

Most significant building works require building regulations approval, including extensions, loft conversions, structural alterations and changes to drainage. Some minor works are exempt.
Planning permission controls whether you can build something and what it looks like. Building regulations control how it is built to ensure it is safe, energy efficient and accessible.
You can apply to Cornwall Council Building Control or use an approved inspector. We can advise on the process and help you prepare the necessary documentation.
Unauthorised building work can cause problems when you sell your property and may need to be rectified. Always ensure building regulations approval is obtained before starting work.

Client Testimonials

"A.V.A did a fantastic job on our kitchen extension. Professional, tidy and the quality of work is outstanding. Highly recommend."
Sarah T., Truro
Homeowner
"We used A.V.A for our bathroom renovation and couldn't be happier. Excellent workmanship and they finished on time and on budget."
Mark H., Falmouth
Homeowner
"Large job lasting near to 12 months. First class service. Always on site on time, no surprise costs and the job completed on budget. All work explained; an open & honest tradesman."
David R., Redruth
Homeowner

Ready to Start Your Project?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve Truro, Falmouth and all surrounding villages.