Advice/FAQs

They are national standards on levels of performance which are made by Parliament dealing with the construction of buildings.  They are enforced by Building Control offices working for the 11 councils in Northern Ireland.

To safeguard the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They also deal with energy conservation and access to facilities for disabled people.

If you want to build, alter, extend or change the use of a building the Building Regulations may apply. Some works are excused, therefore should you require further help or guidance contact the Building Control Department on 0330 137 4003 or buildingcontrol@nmandd.org. Planning permission may also be required, should you require further help or guidance please contact Planning on 0330 137 4036 or planning@nmandd.org.

You usually need approval to build an extension on your house.

However, some small projects don’t need it — for example:

• A porch smaller than 5 square metres
• A ground-level conservatory under 30 square metres with a clear or see-through roof

Yes, where it is bigger than 3m² you will have to make a Full Plan Application.

Yes, you need approval if your changes affect the building itself. This includes:

• Removing or partly removing walls, support beams, or a chimney
• Making changes that could make it harder to escape safely in case of a fire

No, as long as the window opening isn’t made bigger and stays the same size. If you need a bigger opening, this will affect the main parts of the building, so you will need approval. Some bay windows also support the building, so replacing them will require approval.

No- if the repairs are small and you are replacing like for like. This includes things like fixing a flat roof felt, repainting, or repairing a small section of brickwork.

Yes- if the repair involves removing and rebuilding a large part of a wall, or supporting a wall that carries weight. For re-roofing, you need approval if the new tiles or roofing material are heavier than the old ones or cover more than half of the roof.

If your work needs Building Regulation approval, there are two ways to apply:

1. Full Plans Application – You need to provide detailed plans showing how the work will be done.

2. Building Notice Application – You provide simpler plans. This is only for small or simple projects.

You can download the application form here: Building Control Northern Ireland

Do I Have to Pay for the Service?

Yes, you usually need to pay a fee to the Council, unless your work is exempt. The Building Control team will tell you how much to pay and when.

You can also check fees and use a fee calculator here: Building Control Northern Ireland

Once you have your Building Notice or have submitted Full Plans, you can start work anytime. But you must let the Council know before you begin.

You can use guides published by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. These guides give advice on how to meet the rules, but you don’t have to follow them exactly — you can meet the rules in another way if you prefer.

You can download the guides here: Building Control Northern Ireland

You can change your plans and submit them again to meet the building rules.
If you think the rejection was unfair, you can also appeal the decision.

More information on appeals is here: Building Regulations Appeals

The Council has to make sure that building work meets regulations. If the work doesn't meet regulations, you may be asked to alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the Council may serve a notice requiring you to do so. We can regularise illegal works; please contact us for more information.

No. Planning approval looks at how the building will look, where it will go and how it affects the area around it.

Building Control approval checks that the building is safe, solid, energy efficient, and easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.