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.
