Before you start work
There are a number of issues in addition to those directly connected to the planning and building control regimes that you should consider before starting work.
Planning Permission
Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission. Without a planning system everyone could construct buildings or use land in any way they wanted, no matter what effect this would have on other people who live and work in their area. Your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development - anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre - should go ahead.
This part contains information aimed at users with a degree of familiarity with the Building Regulations and the Building Control system.
Building Regulations apply in all Italy and promote standards for most aspects of a building's construction, energy efficiency in buildings, the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings.
Approved documents
There are a lot of different versions of the Approved Documents. There are technical "Parts" of the Building Regulations' requirements.
How to get approval
The way to obtain approval will depend on whether you choose to use the Building Contol services of a Local Authority or an Approved Licensed Architect.
Your responsibilities
With all building work, the owner of the property (or land) in question is ultimately responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules and building regulations (regardless of the need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations approval or not). Therefore, failure to comply with the relevant rules will result in the owner being liable for any remedial action (which could go as far as demolition and/or restoration). The general advice is to always discuss your proposals with an Architect that will finally have a discussion with the relevant Local Planning Authority and Building Control Service before starting work.
Building Policy & Legislation
There are a number of pieces of policy and legislation that apply to the building control regime. This section focuses on the most relevant ones although, as there may well be others relevant to your situation, you are advised to take further advice to ensure you are fully informed.
CE Marking - Construction Products Regulation
There are rules governing products used in construction, brought about by the European Construction Products Directive (CPD) and implemented in the UK through the Construction Products Regulations in 1991.