Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Gwent
Looking for help with building regulations approval in Gwent? Here's what's involved, the rules in Wales and what it typically costs.
Gwent at a glance
- Nation
- Wales
- Price region
- Wales
- Postcode areas
- CF, NP
- Towns covered
- 27 listed below, plus surrounding villages
- Site visits
- Free, no obligation
What a building regulations application involves
Building regulations approval for a two-storey extension involves preparing technical drawings and a specification that show how the extension meets the rules on structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, electrics and drainage, getting them approved and having the work inspected. At the end you receive a completion certificate.
The main places we list in Gwent are Newport (Gwent) (NP10), Cwmbran (NP44), Pontypool (NP4), Ebbw Vale (NP23), Caerphilly (CF83) and Risca (NP11). We cover the villages in between too.
Fees
Technical drawings and specification are a guide of £1,500–£4,000. The council's building control fee depends on the value of the work; we confirm every fee in writing before the design stage starts.
Rules in Wales
In Wales, building regulations approval follows the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places, notably Part L for energy efficiency. Approval comes from the council's building control service or a registered approver. The structure, fire, ventilation and drainage checks are broadly similar, with a completion certificate at the end.
Approval in Wales: Householder planning application: £585. Councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks.
Building regulations: Building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places (notably energy efficiency).
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices may be needed for work on or near a shared wall or boundary.
Getting the design right
Full plans and inspections
Full plans approval checks the design before work starts, which we recommend for two-storey extensions. Building control then inspects key stages, such as foundations, damp-proofing, drainage and insulation, before issuing the completion certificate.
How we work in Gwent
Start at your house
We come to your home in Gwent, measure up, check the ground floor walls and roof structure, and note anything near the boundaries.
Design and approvals
We draw the extension and check it against the rules for Wales, then apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, whichever fits.
Structure and building control
A structural engineer sizes the foundations and steels, and we get building regulations approval before work starts.
Build
Foundations, walls, floor, roof, windows, then first and second fix. We break through into the house as late as we can.
Towns we cover in Gwent
- Newport (Gwent)
- Cwmbran
- Pontypool
- Ebbw Vale
- Caerphilly
- Risca
- Gelligaer
- Blackwood
- Brynmawr
- Tredegar
- Abergavenny
- Bargoed
- Chepstow
- Abertillery
- Abercarn
- Monmouth
- Caldicot
- Rhymney
- Bedwas
- Caerleon
- Newbridge
- Abertridwr
- Crumlin (Gwent)
- Magor
- Undy
- Blaenavon
- Hengoed
Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Gwent: questions
Do I need building regulations if I have planning permission?
Yes. Planning permission and building regulations are separate. Planning covers what the extension looks like and how it affects neighbours; building regulations cover how it is built and whether it is safe, warm and healthy. A two-storey extension needs both, unless permitted development replaces the planning part.
What is a build-over agreement?
A build-over agreement is permission from your water company to build over or near a public sewer. Many rear extensions sit near shared drains, and the water company will want access protected and the pipe checked. We check sewer records early so the agreement does not delay the start.
Neighbouring areas
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Mid Glamorgan
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Bristol
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Somerset
All extension services in Gwent · About building regulations for two-storey extensions
Ready to see what a second storey could do for your home?
Book a free site visit. We'll look at your house, talk through options and explain the approvals you'd need, then price the design stage in writing.