How Much Do Building Regs Cost?

How much does building regs cost? With average building regulations costs hovering around £500, understanding their ins-and-outs is crucial to the smooth budgeting of your home project.

Read more so you can feel confident in every home renovation.

How Much Does Building Regs Cost? Learn Money-Saving Tips Today

Are you building, renovating or converting? Understanding building regulations costs can be tricky because they can vary so much. In this guide, you will learn how to plan your project from beginning to end, and avoid any financial surprises along the way.

In this Price Guide we will talk about:

1. What’s the Point of Building Regulations
2. What are the Costs of Building Regulations?
3. How Much Do Building Regulations Application Fees Cost?
4. Building Regulations for Different Types of Builds
5. How to Save Money on Building Regulations: Tips & Tricks
6. Find Building Regulation Professionals on MyBuilder
7. Common Questions

What’s the Point of Building Regulations?

Building regulations are legal guidelines, designed to maintain a high level of quality across all buildings. They make sure all new buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible.

Making sure your project adheres to building regulations is so important, as failure to follow them can result in costly penalties, delays, or even compromised safety.

To avoid such risks, it's important to factor building regulations into the early planning stages of your project, so you can feel confident moving ahead.

MyBuilder Tip: Always consult qualified professionals who have experience with building regulations to help ensure a smooth and compliant build.

Get in touch with one today, post your job on MyBuilder

Find qualified professionals for your project

What are the Costs of Building Regulations?

Knowing the costs of building regulations is essential for anyone planning a construction project. It’s also important to know that they can change depending on different things, including the size and complexity of the project, and the specific requirements of your local area.

For smaller projects such as extensions or minor new builds, building regulations approval typically costs between £600 and £1,200.

Larger developments may incur significantly higher fees, often because additional inspections or detailed plan checks are required.

Key Factors Changing Building Regulations Costs:

Type of Project: Whether it's a simple extension or a complex new build, the size of the job can affect the regulatory requirements and associated costs.

Local Authority Fees: Charges vary between different councils, so it is important to look into the one near you.

Application Route: The method of applying, whether through a Full Plans submission, Building Notice, or Regularisation, affects both the approval process and the cost.

Project Complexity: More intricate designs, structural challenges, or specialist installations can lead to higher inspection and compliance costs.

If you're unsure whether the structure of your space complies with the requirements of your renovation, you can hire a surveyor to assess it. Take a look at our structural survey cost guide for all the info.

How Much Do Building Regulations Application Fees Cost?

If you are doing any construction or renovation project, small or big, you will need to apply for building regulations. These will make sure your plans meet essential safety, structural, and compliance standards.

Building Regulations fees vary based on the size and complexity of your project. For small new builds or extensions, typical costs range from £600 to £1,400.

This covers various application types, including Full Plans submissions, Building Notices, and Regularisation applications for retrospective approval.

This table outlines the average cost of each submission type:

Application Type	Cost
Full Plans (small new builds or extensions)	£600 – £1,200
Building Notice (for renovations under 40 m2)	£600 – £900
Regularisation (approval after build)	£900 – £1,400

Different Project Costs: Building Regulations for Different Builds

Are you working on an extension or new build? The type of project will really affect how much building regulations cost you. We outline the average costs of each below:

Application Fees: Generally range from £600 to £1,200, depending on the size and scope of the extension.

Inspection Costs: Usually included within the application fee, these cover site visits to ensure compliance at key construction stages.

Structural Engineer Fees: These range from £500 to £2,000, depending on the complexity of the structure and calculations required for safety compliance.

Drawings and Architectural Plans: For a basic extension, expect to pay between £700 and £1,500 for detailed plans required for approval.

Full Plans Applications: Costs generally fall between £210 and £845, covering both the plan submission and inspection stages.

Professional Fees: Architect and designer fees often account for 10 to 12% of the total cost.

Regularisation Costs: If approval is sought after work has started (or completed), costs can rise significantly, often up to £1,400, and with no guarantee of approval.

If you are ready to start your project, you will need to hire an architect familiar with building regulations.

Read our architect cost guide for more information on this.

MyBuilder Tip: Talking to professionals early in your planning phase can streamline compliance, reduce risk, and help ensure your project proceeds without any costly surprises along the way.

Find regulation professionals on MyBuilder

How to Save Money on Building Regulations: Tips & Tricks

Safety and compliance are essential in construction projects. However, building regs costs can add up quickly.

Understanding ways to save money in this area is important for keeping your project within budget.

Here are some practical tips and tricks:

Plan early: Start your project planning early to avoid rushed decisions that may lead to expensive slip-ups.

Choose the right application type: Go for a Building Notice for simple domestic work to minimise fees, when applicable.

Bundle-up inspections: Schedule multiple inspections in one visit to reduce the number of inspection fees.

Minimise design changes: Work with professionals to ensure only necessary changes are made to the construction design.

Use professionals with relevant experience: Hiring architects or engineers who are familiar with compliance can prevent costly errors and improve efficiency.

Negotiate service rates: Approach multiple professionals and discuss their fees, so you know what the best option is.

Stay Compliant: Find Building Regulation Professionals on MyBuilder

Need Building Regulations Advice? Discover architectural designers on MyBuilder.

Then, a network of building professionals will guide you every step of the way. Simply post your job today.

Find building regulation professionals near you

FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Building Regulations Cost

What are the average costs associated with obtaining building regulations approval?

The average costs for obtaining building regulations approval in the UK can range from £300 to over £1,000, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. These costs include application fees for different types of work such as new builds, extensions, or alterations. Local councils often publish fee scales, which can be a useful guide.

Are there any additional fees I should anticipate beyond the initial building regs cost?

Yes, besides the initial application fee, additional costs may include inspection charges, which vary based on the number of site visits required. Some projects may include consultation fees if specialist surveys or reports are necessary.

How do I calculate the potential costs for building regs for my specific project?

Calculating potential costs involves reviewing your local authority’s fee schedule, which provides a breakdown based on project details like type and size. You can also prepare an itemised list of work and consult with a building control officer or an approved inspector to get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific project.

What are the common challenges in budgeting for building regulations costs?

Challenges often include unexpected costs due to unforeseen changes in project scope or design, delays in approval processes, and potential non-compliance issues requiring rectification. Also, budgeting needs to accommodate possible cost increases due to changes in regulations or economic factors affecting material and labour costs.