This edition of the Explanatory Booklet on the Building Regulations was first printed in January 2003. It significantly updated and expanded on the 1998 edition, although the broad content covered remained much the same.

The main changes to the 1998 booklet were:

• A fuller explanation of what the Building Regulations are all about and how they apply in practice;
  
• A fuller explanation of the two types of Building Control Service (i.e. your local authority or an approved inspector) – one of which must be used to take you through the Building Regulations procedures;
  
• An expanded Questions & Answers section offering additional guidance on how the various requirements in the Building Regulations may apply to a building project. In particular, the section refers to the recently introduced option for some types of controlled fittings and services (such as replacement windows and plumbing work) to be carried out by registered installers without the need to involve a Building Control Service. It also includes examples of some of the other recent changes to the regulations, such as fuel burning appliances and fuel storage;
  
• A fuller explanation of how to ensure the Building Regulations are not contravened and how they are enforced;
  
• An Annex A summarising some of the more common types of buildings which are exempt from control by the Building Regulations;
  
• An Annex B with an extensive list of sources of information and assistance including documents, publications and addresses of organisations.

This 2005 reprint of the Booklet updates the content to take account of the most recent changes in the Building Regulations, including the introduction of Part P (Electrical safety). Other amendments have also been made to either clarify certain points or to add additional information.