BUILDING REGULATIONS · TECHNICAL DESIGN
Building Regulations drawings for your home
Planning may establish what you can build. Building Regulations and technical design develop how it will work and how it can be built.
Downland Studio prepares detailed technical drawing packages for extensions, loft conversions and alterations across Worthing and West Sussex, developing designs for Building Control, consultant coordination and construction.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →PLANNING → TECHNICAL DESIGN
More than planning drawings
Planning drawings primarily communicate the proposed layout, scale and appearance of your project. They generally do not contain all the technical information needed to demonstrate Building Regulations compliance or explain how the work should be constructed.
Technical design develops the agreed design in greater detail: how floors, walls and roofs are formed, alongside relevant structure, insulation, ventilation, fire safety and drainage.
The coordinated package supports the Building Regulations application and gives your contractor substantially more construction information, with the agreed scope made clear from the outset.
PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATIONS EXPLAINED →TECHNICAL DESIGN
Developing the detail
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Plans, sections & elevations
Detailed drawings describe the proposed work, key dimensions and construction arrangements, developing the planning design into practical technical information.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
How the building comes together
Details explain important junctions and the proposed floor, wall and roof build-ups, helping the contractor understand how materials and elements meet.
BUILDING PERFORMANCE
Insulation, ventilation & compliance
The design considers relevant thermal performance, ventilation and other Building Regulations requirements. Specialist calculations or assessments may be needed for some projects.
STRUCTURAL COORDINATION
Bringing the information together
Where a structural engineer is appointed, their design information is coordinated with the architectural drawings so the two can be read together.
BUILDING CONTROL
Through the approval process
Completed information can be submitted to the appointed Building Control body. Relevant queries relating to Downland Studio's design information can be addressed during review; approval remains a decision for Building Control.
THE BUILDING REGULATIONS
What is being considered?
The requirements relate to the safety, accessibility and performance of buildings. What needs to be considered depends on your home and the work proposed.
Structure
How the building supports loads, including foundations, floors, roofs and new openings.
Fire safety
Escape routes, fire separation and suitable protection for the proposed layout.
Ventilation
Fresh air and the removal of moisture from kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.
Energy efficiency
Insulation, heat loss and the performance of new or altered building elements.
Drainage
How foul and surface water are collected and connected to suitable drainage.
Access & safety
Relevant access arrangements, stairs, guarding and safe use of the building.
COORDINATED DESIGN
Some projects need more than one specialist
Extensions, loft conversions and structural alterations commonly need a structural engineer. Some projects also require other specialist information, depending on the building and the proposed work.
Specialists are normally separately appointed by you, the client. Downland Studio can coordinate their information with the architectural drawings as appropriate, while each specialist remains responsible for their own professional work.
You have a clear point of contact as the architectural information develops.
FROM DRAWINGS TO APPROVAL
What happens next?
TECHNICAL DESIGN
Develop the construction information
The agreed design is developed into technical drawings and details, with the scope and any further information needs identified.
CONSULTANT COORDINATION
Bring the specialist designs together
Separately appointed consultants prepare their information, which is coordinated with the architectural package as appropriate.
BUILDING CONTROL SUBMISSION
Submit the agreed package
The completed drawings and relevant supporting information are submitted to the appointed Building Control body, in line with the agreed service scope.
REVIEW
Respond to relevant queries
Building Control reviews the submission. Downland Studio can address queries relating to its own design information, with consultants responding to matters within their scope.
CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTIONS
Build from the current information
Building Control carries out relevant site inspections. The contractor remains responsible for constructing the works correctly and in accordance with the approved design and applicable requirements.
COMPLETION
Close out the required information
Completion certification is issued by Building Control following satisfactory completion and the required inspections and information. Keep this with your project records.
Building Control’s statutory role is separate from administering your building contract. If you would like professional involvement with payments, changes and contractual completion, optional Contract Administration can be agreed before construction begins.
EXPLORE CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION →CLEAR FROM THE BEGINNING
Building Regulations drawings from £1,850
Conventional residential Building Regulations and technical design starts from £1,850. The Complete Design & Technical Package starts from £2,650.
Every project receives a tailored itemised proposal setting out the agreed scope, so you can see what is included and what further services may be needed.
CALCULATE YOUR FEE →VIEW THE FULL FEE GUIDE →A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Building Regulations questions
Do I need Building Regulations approval if I already have Planning Permission?
Often, yes. Planning Permission and Building Regulations are separate processes. Extensions, loft conversions and many alterations need Building Regulations approval even where planning consent is already in place or the work falls within Permitted Development.
Can my builder build from the planning drawings?
Planning drawings usually do not contain enough construction detail for a clear technical package. Developing the design before work starts helps the builder understand the proposed construction and reduces decisions being left unresolved on site.
Do I need a structural engineer?
Commonly, for extensions, loft conversions and structural alterations. An engineer designs and checks the relevant structural elements. The requirement is reviewed for your project, and their appointment is normally separate from Downland Studio’s architectural service.
Does Downland Studio submit the Building Regulations application?
Submission to the appointed Building Control body can be included in the agreed service. Your itemised proposal confirms the scope, including submission and support with relevant queries. Building Control charges and separately appointed specialists are identified separately.
Does Building Regulations approval mean the drawings cannot change on site?
Changes can arise, but they should be reviewed before the affected work proceeds. Discuss proposed changes with the relevant designer and Building Control; revised drawings, calculations or approval may be needed. The contractor should work from the current agreed information.
READY FOR THE TECHNICAL STAGE?
Develop your project ready to build.
Whether Downland Studio has taken your project through planning or you already have an approved design prepared elsewhere, we can discuss what’s required to move into Building Regulations and technical design.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →