Building Regulation Drawings Cost UK: Complete 2025 Price Guide

Understanding building regulation drawings cost helps you budget effectively for your construction project and ensures compliance with current UK standards.

Fast Facts About Building Regulations Drawings Cost

• Building regulation drawings are essential for proving your construction project meets legal safety requirements
• A complete set of drawings ensures you’ll comply with building regulations and pass building control inspections
• Cost of building regs drawings in the UK ranges from £500 for simple extensions to £5,000+ for large commercial projects (not including a structural engineer’s calculations)
• Full plans applications offer more security than building notice applications when you’re building
• Building control officers use these drawings to verify compliance during construction
• In 2025, most authorities require digital submissions with enhanced sustainability metrics
• Building work without proper approval from a building inspector can result in enforcement action and costly remedial work

What are building regulations?

UK building regulations are legal standards that govern the design and construction of buildings to ensure they’re safe, accessible, and energy efficient. These regulations cover structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, thermal performance, drainage, electrical safety, and more.

Unlike planning drawings (which focus on how a building looks and its impact on surroundings), building regulations drawings concentrate on technical standards and ensuring the building is constructed safely and to current standards. You’ll need both planning permission and building regulations approval for most projects, though some may fall under permitted development rights such a loft conversions

A building control officer or approved inspector will use these drawings to verify your work complies with building regulations throughout the construction process.

The Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to UK building regulations, especially for higher-risk buildings. The introduction of the Building Safety Regulator and stricter building safety standards has transformed the regulatory landscape. In 2025, these changes are fully implemented and include:

• More stringent accountability requirements for designers and builders under CDM regulations
• Enhanced documentation of building materials and construction methods
• Digital building safety information requirements
• Clearer duties for building control professionals
• New penalties for non-compliance

These changes have made building regulation drawings more comprehensive and technically detailed than ever before, with structural drawings and calculations now forming a critical part of submissions.

Getting building regulations approval

Obtaining building regulations approval requires you to submit your building regulations application drawings to one of two bodies:

1. Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
2. Approved Inspectors (private building control bodies)

Both can verify that your work complies with the building regulations, though their fee structures and approaches may differ. When you apply for building regulations approval, you’ll need to include detailed technical drawings that demonstrate how your project will meet building regulations.

In 2025, most authorities offer digital submission and tracking systems, making it easier to submit a building notice or full plans application online.

Building regulations for extensions

When building an extension, you’ll need building regulations drawings to demonstrate compliance. Building an extension without proper approval isn’t an option – you’ll need to include these key elements in your construction drawings:

• Foundations appropriate for local ground conditions (verified by a structural engineer)
• Structural stability (including calculations from a structural engineer)
• Weather resistance and thermal insulation
• Fire escape routes and fire resistance
• Ventilation strategy
• Energy efficiency measures that meet building regulations
• Sound insulation (for attached properties)
• Access considerations

Examples of building regulations that apply to extensions include Part A (Structure), Part B (Fire Safety), Part C (Site Preparation), Part E (Sound), Part F (Ventilation), Part K (Protection from falling), Part L (Conservation of fuel and power), and Part M (Access).

How much do building regs cost?

The cost of building regulations can be broken down to help you understand how much it costs to ensure your project complies with building regulations. Let’s break down how much building regulations drawings cost in the UK:

The cost comprises two main elements:

1. Drawing and documentation preparation: The professional fees for creating the detailed technical drawings (typically provided by an architect or architectural technician)
2. Application fees: The fees paid to building control bodies when you submit your building regulations application

Building regulations application fees

Building control fees vary depending on:

• The type of application (full plans vs. building notice)
• The size and value of the proposed work
• Whether you use local authority or approved inspectors
• The complexity of the project and number of site inspections required

Typical application fees in 2025:

• Small extension (under 40m²): £550-£850
• Medium extension (40-100m²): £800-£1,200
• Loft conversion: £650-£950
• Garage conversion: £450-£700
• New build house: £900-£1,500 plus additional inspection fees

Average costs of building regs in the UK

For a typical home extension, expect to pay:

• Professional fees for drawings: £1,500-£3,000
• Structural engineer calculations: £500-£1,200
• Building control fees: £550-£950
• Total average cost: £2,550-£5,150

For larger projects such as new builds:

• Professional fees for drawings: £5,000-£15,000 (or a percentage of the construction cost, typically 3-7%)
• Structural engineer fees: £1,500-£3,000
• Building control fees: £900-£2,500
• Total average cost: £7,400-£20,500

How Much does an mciat cost? Typical architect fees for building regulations drawings range from £65-£125 per hour, or they may charge a percentage of the construction cost (3-7% for building regulations packages). Much do architects charge varies significantly based on their experience and location.

Factors affecting building regulation costs

Location of the property

The cost in the UK varies significantly based on location:

• London and Southeast England: Premium of 20-40% above national average
• Major urban centers: 10-25% above national average
• Rural areas: Generally 5-15% below national average

Who you use

The cost of planning and building regulations drawings depends on who you hire:

• Architects: Typically highest fees but comprehensive service (much does it cost more than other options)
• Architectural technicians: Mid-range pricing with technical focus on making sure you’ll comply with building regulations
• Building surveyors: Often competitive for regulation-focused work
• Structural engineers: Required for calculations and technical drawings (£500-£1,500)
• Design and build companies: May bundle regulations into overall project cost

Typical architect fees for building regulations drawings are either based on hourly rates (£65-£125) or a percentage of the construction cost (3-7%).

Pre-submission consultancy advice

Many professionals offer pre-submission consultancy (£75-£150 per hour) to identify potential issues before you submit your building regulations application. While this represents an additional cost, it can prevent expensive amendments later and help ensure your drawings cover all necessary elements.

Working with professionals who understand how to make a building regulations application can cost a lot less in the long run by avoiding delays and revisions. For professional building regulation drawings service tailored to your project requirements, our expert team provides comprehensive solutions.

Types of building regs application

When applying for building regulations, you’ll need to decide whether to use a building notice instead of full plans, or seek regularisation for work already completed.

1. Full plans

A full plans application involves submitting detailed technical drawings and specifications to building control before work begins. The building control officer checks compliance and issues approval before building starts.

Advantages:

• Certainty before work begins
• Reduced risk of costly alterations
• Written confirmation of compliance
• Protection against enforcement action
• You’ll comply with building regulations from the start

Cost: Higher initial fees but potentially lower overall costs when you’re building

2. Building notice

A building notice is a simpler form of notifying building control that work will commence. No detailed plans are checked beforehand; instead, a building inspector performs inspections during construction.

Advantages:

• Quicker to submit
• Lower initial fees
• Suitable for simpler projects or experienced builders
• You can start work 48 hours after submitting

Disadvantages:

• Higher risk of non-compliance discovered mid-construction
• Potentially costly remedial work
• No approved plans to share with contractors
• More difficult to prove compliance with the building regulations

Cost: Lower initial fees but higher risk of additional costs

3. Regularisation

Regularisation is a retrospective application for work that has been carried out without proper building regulations approval when you need building regulations approval after the fact.

Disadvantages:

• Significantly higher fees (typically 150% of normal fees)
• May require opening up work for inspection
• Risk of remedial work being required
• No guarantee of approval

Cost: 150-200% of standard fees plus potential remedial costs

Full Plans Building Control Application vs Building Notice Notification

When deciding how to apply for building regulations, understanding the differences between a full building control application and using a building notice instead is crucial:

Aspect	Full Plans	Building Notice
Detail required	Comprehensive technical drawings	Minimal documentation
Approval timing	Before construction begins	During construction
Certainty	High – approval in principle granted	Low – compliance determined during work
Cost	Higher initial fees	Lower initial fees but higher risk
Suitable for	Complex projects, inexperienced builders	Simple projects, experienced builders
Risk level	Lower – you’ll comply with building regulations from the start	Higher – issues may be found during construction
Building control involvement	Drawings approved before work starts	Building inspector only assesses during construction

Building control drawings checklist

A complete set of drawings for building regulations applications should include the following elements to satisfy a building control officer:

• Site plan (1:1250 or 1:500)
• Existing and proposed floor plans (1:50 or 1:100)
• Sections showing foundations, floors, and roof construction (1:20 or 1:50) Sections should clearly show Stairscase compliant with building regulations
• Elevation drawings of all sides (1:50 or 1:100)
• Structural calculations from a structural engineer
• Energy performance calculations to meet building regulations
• Drainage details
• Ventilation strategy
• Fire safety measures
• Material specifications
• Thermal insulation details

The drawings are detailed technical plans that will need to include sufficient information for a building inspector to verify that your construction complies with the building regulations. Construction drawings will need to cover all aspects of building regulations that apply to your project.

Average cost of building regs approval for extensions and conversions

Here’s a breakdown of typical building regulations drawings cost for various project types in the UK. These figures include both the professional fees for drawings and the building control application fees:

Project Type	Professional Drawing Fees	Structural Engineer	Building Control Fees	Total Average Cost
Single-storey extension (under 40m²)	£1,500-£2,500	£500-£900	£550-£850	£2,550-£4,250
Two-storey extension	£2,500-£4,000	£800-£1,200	£700-£1,100	£4,000-£6,300
Loft conversion	£1,800-£3,000	£600-£1,000	£650-£950	£3,050-£4,950
Garage conversion	£1,200-£2,200	£400-£800	£450-£700	£2,050-£3,700
Basement conversion	£3,500-£6,000	£1,000-£2,000	£800-£1,300	£5,300-£9,300

For smaller projects, costs might represent 3-5% of the construction cost. For larger projects, architects may charge 3-7% of the construction cost for full building regulation packages including all necessary drawings.

Building regulations plans for property conversions

Converting existing spaces (like garages, lofts, or commercial buildings to residential) requires specific attention in your building regulations drawings to ensure they meet building regulations:

• Change of use requirements
• Fire safety measures
• Sound insulation
• Ventilation requirements
• Thermal performance upgrades
• Structural drawings and calculations when making structural alterations
• Access considerations

These conversions often involve bringing older elements up to current standards, which can increase complexity and cost. You’ll need building regulations drawings that specifically address how your conversion will comply with the building regulations for the new use of the space.

Building regulations plans for new builds

When building a new house or structure, you’re building from scratch and need to comply with building regulations across all aspects of the construction. Building a new home requires comprehensive building regulation packages including:

• Full structural design and calculations from a structural engineer
• Complete thermal modeling and energy strategy
• Detailed foundation design
• Comprehensive service layouts
• Accessibility compliance documentation
• Fire strategy
• Sustainability assessments
• Water efficiency calculations

Due to their complexity, new build regulation drawings typically cost between £5,000-£15,000 depending on size and specification, or architects may charge a percentage of the construction cost (3-7%). You’ll need to make a building regulations application before building starts, and you’ll need to notify building control at key stages during construction.

How to budget for building regs

Get quotes

Always obtain at least three quotes from qualified professionals, ensuring they specify:

• Exactly what drawings and calculations are included in the set of drawings
• Any additional costs for amendments or site visits
• Building control application fees (if included)
• Whether structural engineer calculations are included or will cost extra

Go for full plans

While building notice applications may seem cheaper initially, full plans applications provide certainty before you’re building and can prevent costly remedial work. When you submit your building regulations application as full plans, you’ll be sure you comply with building regulations before work begins.

Build in a contingency

Allow 10-15% contingency for potential amendments or additional technical information that may be required during the building control process. The cost of planning and building regulations approval can increase if revisions are needed, so this buffer is essential.

What can happen if things go wrong

Starting work without a building control application

Working without building regulations approval can have serious consequences. Building an extension without proper approval or starting work without notifying building control is a risky approach that can lead to:

• Enforcement action requiring work to be corrected or demolished
• Difficulties selling the property in future (as you’ll need to demonstrate compliance)
• Insurance invalidation
• Higher regularisation fees
• Potential safety issues

Without building regulations approval, your building work may not meet building regulations, creating both legal and safety issues.

Retrospective approval for building work carried out without notification

If you’ve built without approval, you’ll need to obtain building regulations approval retrospectively. Regularisation applications can be made for unauthorized work, but they:

• Cost a lot more (150-200% of normal fees)
• May require opening up work for inspection by a building inspector
• Offer no guarantees that work will be approved without alterations
• Can result in expensive remedial work to make your building comply with building regulations

Examples of building work that frequently proceeds without proper approval include internal alterations, garage conversions, and small extensions—all of which need to meet building regulations.

How long building regulations take

The building regulations process timeline:

• Drawing preparation: 2-6 weeks depending on complexity (much it costs more if you need them rushed)
• Full plans application: 5-8 weeks for approval before building starts
• Building notice: 48 hours notice before commencing work
• Construction inspections: At key stages throughout build by a building inspector
• Completion certificate: Usually issued within 2 weeks of final inspection

The introduction of the Building Safety Act has made building regulations stricter in some cases, which may extend these timeframes, particularly for complex projects.

Getting a completion certificate

A completion certificate is crucial documentation issued by building control when work is finished and complies with building regulations. This certificate:

• Confirms legal compliance with the building regulations
• Is essential when selling the property
• May be required by insurance companies
• Provides peace of mind regarding safety standards

To obtain a completion certificate, ensure all inspections are completed and any identified issues are resolved before requesting final inspection. The building control officer will verify that your work complies with the building regulations before issuing this important document.

Conclusion

Building regs drawing costs are a critical investment in your construction project, ensuring legal compliance, structural integrity, and safety. In 2025, these detailed technical drawings have become more comprehensive and technically sophisticated, reflecting evolving UK building regulations and digital capabilities.

While costs vary significantly based on project specifics, location, and service level, understanding what constitutes a complete building regulation package helps ensure you’re receiving appropriate value. The right professional can not only provide compliant drawings but also potentially save you money by identifying efficient solutions and preventing costly mistakes during construction.

When selecting a provider for your building regulations drawings, balance cost considerations with experience, technical capability, and service level to achieve the best outcome for your project. Remember that building regulation drawings are not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a valuable technical foundation that contributes significantly to your project’s success and safety.

Whether you’re building an extension, converting a space, or building a new home, obtaining proper building regulations approval through thorough and accurate drawings is essential to ensure your project meets building regulations and passes building control inspections.