Building Regulations
Building regulations are in place to ensure that buildings will be safe and healthy for people in and around them. They also intend to ensure the performance of the building through the conservation of fuel and power.
In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, building regulations are set out in the law. Technical booklets, providing guidance, have been published by the governments.
When do you need to meet building regulations?
Building regulations need to be met when designing and constructing a new building or dwelling and when carrying out an extension to an existing building or dwelling.
If you are in the Republic of Ireland, updated regulations apply from the 1st November 2019, unless a planning application for planning permission or approval pursuant has been made on or before 31st October 2019, with substantial work being completed before 31st October 2020. The new regulations also don’t apply if there has been a notice pursuant to the provision Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 published on or before 31st October 2019, with substantial work having been completed by 31st October 2020. We’d recommend you visit the GOV website for further information.
The new Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) regulations in the Republic of Irelandapply to any new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities from 1st January 2019. If you are building a new home, these regulations apply from 31st December 2020.
If you are in Northern Ireland, the current building regulations came into operation in October 2012. These apply if you intend to erect, alter or extend a building, install services or works to a building or change the use of a building. You must have approval from the local district council. You can find further information about Building Regulations in Northern Ireland on the GOV website.
How do you meet building regulations?
Responsibility for compliance with building regulations lies with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. You should ensure that you follow the regulations and guidance and that they are signed off by the appropriate authorities, at the required stages.
What building regulations apply to Thermal Insulation?
The requirement within building regulations of the conservation of fuel and power includes thermal insulation. Depending on where you live or are carrying out work, the regulations will differ.
In the Republic of Ireland, building regulations are appended with a series of Technical Guidance Documents starting from TGD Part A to TGD Part M. In relation, specifically to Thermal Insulation, TGD Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Dwellings 2008/2017 applies. You can find more information below:
- Technical Guidance Document L for Buildings other than Dwellings (2017)
- Technical Guidance Document L for Dwellings (2019)
- Code of Practice Building Control Regulations 2014
If you are building in Northern Ireland Technical Booklets, F1 and F2 included below apply to you.