The very term may give a simple answer: building regulations are the building standards and guidelines issued by the government, which aim to promote good quality building materials and ensure that the construction of buildings is safe, efficient and economical. Regulations are also set to protect the environment, for instance from excessive heat or from the adverse environmental effects of building materials. The regulation of building procedures also ensures compliance with health and safety standards and protects tenants from diseases and injuries. A property owner can get a building permit, which will authorise him to construct a building on a specified area. Building regulations are therefore mandatory, and it is important to abide by them, even if you are not doing it yourself.
Building regulations in the United Kingdom can be found in two parts: Building Regulations, and Building Regulations Code of Practice. All local authorities must generally require building approval before carrying out any construction activity. The construction must be approved before work can commence. For more information on a Building Survey Reading to check that regulations have been met, visit https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/Homebuyers-Survey/Home-Buyers-Survey-Reading
If your construction project requires planning permission, then you will be required to obtain building approval. The design of the project and the type of materials to be used are taken into consideration when drawing up the building regulations. The building regulations are also responsible for ensuring that any extra requirements which are required by UK law are met. For instance, if planning permission is needed, then the laws governing this must be followed.