Do I Need Building Regulations to Convert a Conservatory?

Traditional conservatories are now being converted into more modern extensions with the use of roof tiles and more energy-efficient materials. As these conversions are home improvements, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether or not they need to meet Building Regulations.

These conversions are becoming more and more popular because the glass and structure of traditional spaces create a space that is too hot in summer and too cold in winter, rendering it unusable for large parts of the year. A conservatory conversion offers the chance to improve the energy efficiency of the room so that it can be used year-round.

At Single Storey Extensions, we have been in the home improvement industry for over 20 years and have helped countless homeowners improve their conservatory with a conversion. Our experience means we know when and how a conversion needs to meet Building Regulations.

When Do Building Regulations Apply to Conservatory Conversions?

Building Regulations are a set of building standards that must be met in any construction to ensure the safety, health and accessibility of a building.

In the UK, Building Regulations are applied to all building projects, whether you are building a new extension or conservatory or simply renovating or converting one you already have. This means you need to meet Building Regulations when converting your conservatory into an extension.

When a conservatory is being built, in typical cases, you don’t need Building Regulations because it is classified as a non-integrated structure. However, when you convert an existing conservatory into an extension, it becomes an integrated space with your home, meaning it needs to meet the same energy efficiency, structural integrity and ventilation standards.

Key Areas of Building Regulations You Need To Consider For Conservatory Conversions

When converting your conservatory into an extension, there are several key parts to Building Regulations that you need to ensure you meet.

Structural Integrity – The foundations and wall strength must meet the same standards as the main building of a home to ensure it can withstand load-bearing and weather conditions.
Energy efficiency – the space will be classified as part of your main building, so it will need to meet energy efficiency standards. This means double-glazed windows and doors and thermal insulation for year-round comfort.
Ventilation – proper ventilation must be implemented to prevent damp and mould problems. Trickle vents and/or extractor fans are common ventilation methods used in a conservatory conversion.
Insulation – the room must be sufficiently insulated within wall cavities, roof insulation and insulated floors to regulate the room’s temperature and reduce energy bills.

How to Ensure Compliance with Building Regulations

Obtaining Building Regulations is a crucial part of the conservatory conversion process.

If you are planning on doing it yourself, it is recommended that you consult a professional such as builders, architects, or building control officers as they will be able to guide you through the regulations you need to meet, and how to achieve that.

Whether doing it yourself or working with a professional conversion company, you will need to gain building control approval. This process involves submitting detailed plans of the proposed conversion to the local building control authority or an approved private inspector.

The process, typically, is:

Submit plans – you submit detailed proposed plans to the local building control authority.
Plan assessment – the building control authority will review plans to make sure they meet regulations.
Site inspection – during and after the construction, a site inspector may visit the site to verify that the work meets standards and matches the submitted plans.
Final approval – you will receive a completion certificate to confirm compliance with the necessary regulations.

Of course, if you choose to work with a team of conservatory conversion specialists, such as the team at Single Storey, you can be confident that your conversion will meet all the requirements and that the necessary processes will be followed to obtain the certificate upon completion.

Conservatory Conversions That Will Meet Building Regulations

When you are converting a conservatory into an extension, you need to meet a set of specific Building Regulations. These differ from the regulations needed when building a conservatory because it is classified as an integrated space with the main building of your home.

These ensure that the room is energy-efficient, well-ventilated and insulated to reduce energy bills and avoid problems with damp and mould to create a room that can be used all year round.

You can apply for Building Regulations with your local building control authority if you are completing the conversion yourself. However, if you opt for a conversion company, they will be able to handle it all for you, so you can rest assured that the work is being carried out to the standards needed.

At Single Storey Extensions, we have been helping homeowners improve their homes for over 20 years. We are experts at Building Regulations, knowing when and what needs to be met in every situation.

We always make sure we are up-to-date with any changes in the regulations too, so you can work with us knowing that we will implement the latest standards.

We provide comprehensive support right the way through the process from initial design to final inspection, ensuring every aspect of your project aligns with the necessary standards. An important part of what we do is demystify the jargon-filled process, so you understand everything we are doing and how we meet the standards.

If you want to know more about the Building Regulation requirements for a conservatory conversion, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Or, if you have decided you would like to convert your existing conservatory, get a quote from our friendly team today.

Call us on 07511 874434 or complete our online contact form, and we will give you a callback.