Last reviewed 30 October 2026. General guidance, not legal advice.
Planning permission
Planning covers changes to how a building looks, its size and its use. In England and Wales, many smaller projects, such as some extensions and loft conversions, are allowed without an application (permitted development). Listed buildings, conservation areas and some homes have extra limits. Your council's planning team, and the Planning Portal for England and Wales, explain what applies.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations set standards for structure, fire safety, insulation, drainage, electrics and more. Most building work needs approval, from your council's building control or, in England, a registered building control approver. Some work, such as replacement windows, new boilers or electrical work, can be self-certified by a trade in a competent person scheme.
Party walls
In England and Wales, work on a wall you share with a neighbour, or digging close to their foundations, may come under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: you must tell your neighbour in writing first.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, most building work needs a building warrant from your council's building standards team before it starts. In Northern Ireland, building control is run by your council, and planning by your council with the NI Planning Portal.
Ask your trade
Before you agree a quote, ask who will deal with planning and building control, and whether the price includes the fees. Keep every certificate: you will need them when you sell.
Find the right trade
- Builders: what to ask and what to check
- Roofers: what to ask and what to check
- Carpenters: what to ask and what to check
- Kitchen and bathroom fitters: what to ask and what to check
- Electricians: what to ask and what to check
- Glaziers: what to ask and what to check
Sources
- Planning Portal
- GOV.UK: planning permission in England and Wales
- GOV.UK: Building Regulations approval
- GOV.UK: party walls and building work