Some extensions and lofts were carried out without building regulations approval. Putting aside the fact that owner may be prosecuted, the process to get the works approved by Building Control is called “regularisation”. A regularisation application is a retrospective application relating to previously unauthorised works i.e. works carried out without building regulations consent, started on or after the 11 November 1985. This process can’t be applied to through independent building control and has to be through the local authority building control department.

We have assisted many clients in the process to regularise the unauthorised works and obtain a certificate of regularisation. Our approach to these properties is as follows:

  1. Detailed visual inspection to establish the condition of the existing works. This is followed by a request to expose certain parts to identify the sizes of the structural members, the way they are connected, the insulation type and thickness, ventilation, etc.
  2. The intrusive inspection and the desk study will establish the works required.
  3. The non-compliant works would need to be corrected so we prepare drawings and specifications for the required works.
  4. Prior to the start of any corrective works, an application is made to the council to show them the proposal and seek their comments. If they have any further comments, then these would have to be incorporated prior to works start.
  5. Appointing a builder and carrying out the works (we could also help in evaluating tenders and choosing a suitable builder).