Self-certifiable works for building control

The principles of self-certification are based on giving people who are competent in their field the ability to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations without the need to submit a building notice and thus incurring local authority inspections or fees.

The aim of self-certification is to significantly enhance compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, reduce costs for firms joining recognised schemes, and promote training and competence within the industry.

Competent Person Schemes

Introduced by the Government, they allow individuals and enterprises to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations as an alternative to submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector.

It should also help tackle the problem of 'cowboy builders' and assist local authorities with enforcement of the Building Regulations.

Examples of self-certifiable work

The list below identifies some of the work that can be carried out under these schemes if the person undertaking the work is suitably accredited:

• heat producing appliances, such as boilers and gas fires
• heating and hot water systems
• mechanical ventilation or air conditioning
• electrical installations
• replacement windows or doors
• sanitary appliances
• installation of a water supply
• installation of cavity wall insulation
• replacement of roof coverings

More information on the role of competent persons is available from the Planning Portal website.

We recommended that you view the Competent Person Schemes website for more detailed information.