Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Planning an extension in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot? This is how our building regulations service works, with the Wales rules and typical fees.
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot at a glance
- Nation
- Wales
- Price region
- Wales
- Postcode areas
- SA
- Towns covered
- 9 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.
Across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot we cover Swansea (SA1), Neath (SA10), Briton Ferry (SA12), Gorseinon (SA4), Clydach (SA6) and Ystalyfera (SA9), plus the smaller places around them.
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 Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Measure and listen
A visit to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to understand how you live in the house now and what the extra rooms need to do, plus a first look at the structure.
Choose the approval route
Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in Wales before drawing in detail.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
Finish and certify
Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.
Towns we cover in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot: 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 Mid Glamorgan
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Dyfed
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
- Building regulations for two-storey extensions in Gwent
All extension services in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot · 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.