During conveyancing, and other processes relevant to property, work is occasionally discovered which has been carried out without having been the subject of a relevant application. Discovery such as this usually results in, at best, delay and at worse cessation, of the process being undertaken.
There is now a system by which such work can be "regularised". The system carries a 20% premium on the normal fee but it is normally possible to give the property a "clean bill of health" following an application for Regularisation (copies of application forms can be downloaded).
Process
A correctly filled in application form should be lodged together with the appropriate fee.
Copies of application forms can be downloaded by following the instructions below :

• Click on the form
• Download form
• Save to PC
• Print out form
• Fill in the relevant information
• Return form to:
  Building Services Department
  Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
  11 Antrim Street
  Carrickfergus
  BT38 7DG

When we receive the form we will inspect the property and, if necessary, specify any works which do not comply with the relevant Building Regulations.

Expected Outcome
When the property complies with the Regulations we will issue a "Certificate of Regularisation".
Please note that the Council may include on the notice information on aspects of the work that do not comply with the Regulations. In these circumstances the infringements will be minor. The Council will not issue a Certificate if the infringements would jeopardise the health and safety of the users of the building (and indeed will seek to have such work rectified).
We aim to issue the Certificate, in most cases, within 2 weeks.

Contact: Building Control or call: 028 9335 8000

The purpose of the Building Regulations is to ensure that the buildings we all use are constructed in a manner which is seen as safe, healthy and energy efficient by current standards.
The Regulations themselves cover most, but not all, aspects of construction. To do so they are divided into various sections or parts:

• Part A - Interpretation and General
• Part B - Materials and Workmanship
• Part C - Preparation of Site and Resistance to Moisture
• Part D - Structure
• Part E - Fire Safety
• Part F - Conservation of Fuel and Power
• Part G - Sound Insulation of Dwellings
• Part H - Stairs, Ramps and Guarding
• Part J - Solid Waste in Buildings
• Part K - Ventilation
• Part L - Heat Producing Appliances and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations
• Part N - Drainage
• Part P - Sanitary appliances and Unvented Hot Water Systems
• Part R - Access and Facilities for Disabled People
• Part V - Glazing

Generally, anyone who intends to erect a building, alter or extend a building, install, alter or extend a service or fitting (to which any parts of the Regulations relate) or alter the use of a building or part of a building, must make a submission under the building Regulations. (Failure to do so is an offence which may result in court action).
Submissions can be made either as "full plans" submissions or as Building Notices (domestic work only).

Links
http://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com
http://www.labc-services.co.uk
A "full plans" submission should be accompanied by the appropriate form, fee, drawings and details. Instructions on how to calculate fees are available here.

If you lodge a "full plans" application we will assess whether your submission complies with the Regulations. If it does you will be issued with a Certificate of Approval and your drawings will be stamped accordingly.

The Building Notice requires only the application form and appropriate fee. (In this case, however, no approval is issued). However, we may judge your scheme to be too complex for the Building Notice system in which case you will be required to make a full plans submission.

Having made a submission you may start work. During the construction stage, however, you must notify your local office that you have reached certain stages as follows.

Expected Outcome
Provided the appropriate notices have been given and the work is in compliance with the Regulations a Completion Certificate will be issued. (A Certificate of Fire Safety may also be issued in the case of certain building types).
The Completion Certificate is an important document. It should be kept in a safe place so that it is available should you decide to sell the property.
Contact: Building Control or call: 028 9335 8000

Click here to download Regularisation Application Form