Building Regulations 2010
Building Regulations apply to the construction and design of both existing and new build properties. They ensure that the property is constructed in a way that is structurally sound and provides good thermal performance throughout the building.
Current Building Regulations cover all aspects of a property including the foundations, external walls, internal walls, electrics, plumbing, roof structure, windows, doors and insulation.
The responsibility for enforcing Building Regulations falls to local authorities. Most local authorities employ a team of building inspectors to inspect all new builds and alterations to ensure the Building Regulations are met. You can apply to your local authority’s building control department or Approved Inspector for Building Regulations approval.
Failure to comply with Building Regulations could result in prosecution under sections 35 and 35A of the Building Act 1984. Enforcement action is typically taken against the person deemed to have carried out the work (usually a builder or contractor).
If you’re not sure whether you need approval from Building Regulations when replacing a door or window in your home, check with a building control body.
What do Building Regulations say about exterior doors?
For replacement windows and doors, the Building Regulations apply to the size, construction and type of glazing installed.
Approximately 25% of the heat inside a home is lost through the windows and doors. The Building Regulations aim to reduce this figure so that homes can become more energy-efficient.
Heat loss is measured in U-values, which applies to the entire door including the frame and glass. The minimum U-value allowed for an external door is 1.8w/m2k or less.
Along with the heat loss rating, the Building Regulations also cover the type of glass that can be installed. Safety glass must be installed in any glass panel up to 1500mm from floor level or 300mm from the door edge.
Vufold’s wooden front doors achieve a very low U-value of 1.6w/m2k and are fitted with 21-mm argon-filled double glazing units using toughened safety glass.
Planning permission
Planning permission is separate from Building Regulations. Planning permission is awarded by the local authority under the Town and Country Planning Act 1948. Its primary purpose is to prevent inappropriate developments.
For the most part, you don’t need planning permission to replace or repaint your front door. However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule.
Homes that are either listed or located in preservation areas may need to seek planning permission before replacing any external features, including doors and windows. See the special circumstances section below.
In addition, your home may be subject to covenants from the original developer that restrict the types of changes you can make. This is to preserve the character of the development, so you must consider these before making any external changes to your home.
