Most conservatories do not need building regulations approval, but some do, especially those with solid roof structures. Building Regulations set the minimum standards for design and construction and are enforced through the building control system by private building control companies or local authority appointed building inspectors. These are supported by technical guidance documents that are also known as approved documents. Building control companies or local authority appointed building inspectors will inspect the project at various stages throughout the construction period to ensure that all the regulations are adhered to. Once the conservatory is completed, they will issue a certificate of approval to confirm your conservatory has been built in accordance with building control standards. It has been known for individuals or companies to ignore building regulations and not advise their clients to seek building regulation approval, or for individuals to ignore the need to do it, even though it is required by law. This has several dangers:

• The quality of the build may not be up to the required standard.
• If your project has not had building control approval, it is likely that your home insurance will be invalid in the event of a fire.
• When you try to sell your home, the survey on your house will show that no building control approval was given, frequently resulting in the loss of a sale or reduced offer.
• It is illegal.

Below are some points that indicate a construction may require building regulations approval. If you are unsure than speak to one of Securahome’s consultants.

• The interior of your project is larger than 30 square metres.
• Glass makes up less than 50% of the perimeter walls.
• Less than 75% of the roof is made of glass.
• You plan to permanently remove the doors dividing your house from the conservatory.
• The doors dividing your house from the conservatory are not exterior quality doors.
• The conservatory will not be at ground level.