Do You Need Building Regulations For a Single-Storey Extension?

Considering adding a single-storey extension to your home? Whether you’re imagining a bigger kitchen for hosting, a light-filled family room for games or just a bit more breathing space, a single-storey extension is a great way to improve without the hassle of moving. 

But before the excitement fully takes over, there’s one important question that often stops homeowners in their tracks: Do you need building regulations for a single-storey extension?

It’s a common one we get asked frequently here at West Midlands Building Company. Building regulations can feel confusing, especially if this is your first home improvement project. But the good news is, once you understand the basics of building regs, everything becomes far more manageable.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about single-storey extensions and building regulations, including how to apply for them, why they’re important and more.

What Are Building Regulations?

So, let’s start off with the basics: what actually are building regulations? 

Building regulations are a set of legal standards that control how building work is designed and constructed. They’re not necessarily about what your extension looks like, but more about how safely and correctly it’s built.

Building regulations cover things like:

• Structural stability
• Fire safety
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Electrical and plumbing safety

In short, they exist to ensure your extension is safe to use and comfortable to live in, as well as being built to last.

Why Are Building Regs Important For Home Improvements?

It’s tempting to think of building regulations as paperwork that just slows things down. But they’re really important to ensure the safety of your single-storey extension.

For example, if your extension wasn’t structurally sound, or if it lost heat constantly, or if it failed a safety inspection when you came to sell, building regulations mean you’re protected.

They ensure the work meets national safety standards and avoids costly problems later on. In many cases, they’re also essential for insurance, mortgages and future buyers.

So while they may seem like a box-ticking exercise, they’re actually there to protect your family and the investment you’re making into your property.

Does My Single Storey Extension Need Building Regulations?

In most cases, yes – building regulations are often required for single-storey extensions.

Even if your extension is small, building regulations for a single-storey extension usually apply. This includes rear extensions, side extensions and wraparound designs.

Single-storey extension building regulations typically apply when the work involves:

• New foundations
• Structural walls or steel beams
• Roof construction
• Electrical or plumbing work
• Insulation upgrades
• Drainage connections

Can You Build a Single-Storey Extension Without Building Regulations?

In most cases, no, only very rarely.

There are limited exceptions, such as certain small conservatories or porches that are completely separated from the main house and meet strict criteria. 

But for most homeowners, a traditional single-storey extension will require building regs approval.

Skipping building regulations can lead to:

• Enforcement action from the council: If your local authority becomes aware of unapproved work, they can require inspections, demand alterations or even insist parts of the extension are removed. 
• Difficulty selling your home: When it comes to selling, solicitors will ask for building regulations approval certificates. Without them, buyers may pull out, renegotiate the price or struggle to secure a mortgage.
• Expensive remedial work later: If building work doesn’t meet required standards, you may be forced to open up walls, floors or roofs to prove compliance or fix issues.
• Problems with insurance claims: Home insurance providers may refuse to pay out if damage is linked to unregulated building work. 

In short, it’s always best to have building regulations for your single-storey extensions – because it’s just not worth the risk!

Single Storey Extension Building Regs FAQs

Do You Need Planning Permission For a Single-Storey Extension?

In contrast, you don’t always need planning permission for one-storey extensions.

Single-storey extension planning rules are separate from building regulations. Many extensions fall under permitted development, meaning you may not need planning permission at all.

However, planning permission is usually required if:

• The extension exceeds size limits
• You live in a conservation area
• Your home is listed
• Previous permitted development rights have been removed

However, even when planning permission isn’t needed, building regulations approval still is.

How Do You Apply For Planning Permission Or Building Regulations Approval For A Single-Storey Extension?

Our fantastic team of architects can take care of absolutely everything when it comes to planning permission or building regulations applications. 

Planning permission applications are submitted to your local council, usually online, with drawings and supporting documents. Building regulations approval can be handled either through the council or an approved inspector.

At West Midlands Building Company, we regularly guide homeowners through this process, so nothing is missed and everything runs smoothly. We can create all of the required plans and drawings whilst also having all relevant forms ready to submit for approval.

Ready To Build Your Single-Storey Extension?

Understanding building regulations for a single-storey extension gives you confidence that your project is safe, compliant and future-proof. With the right guidance and a trusted home improvements team – like WMBC – your extension journey can be seamless and genuinely enjoyable.

Here at West Midlands Building Company, we’ve worked on hundreds of single-storey extension projects in the Birmingham and West Midlands area. With over 150 positive Google reviews, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused companies in the region. 

We also offer a variety of finance options, including buy-now-pay-later plans, and at the time of writing, we’re the only provider in the West Midlands to offer finance terms of up to 20 years on conservatory projects.

Ready to start your home improvement journey with a single-floor extension? Get in touch with one of our friendly team members today to receive a FREE quote and information about next steps.