All electrical work in dwellings needs to comply with Part P (Electrical Safety) of the Building Regulations. Therefore, if you wish to carry out electrical works, first of all you must establish whether it is necessary to notify the Local Authority, and if it is, you must follow one of the routes noted below to achieve compliance.

If work has been carried out by a professional or by a DIYer a Part P Supplementary Application Form needs to be submitted..

Competent Person - Use an electrician or contractor who is a member of the 'Competent Person' scheme and is registered with an approved body to carry out the work. A 'Competent Person' does not need to submit a Building Regulation application, however if you also intend to carry out other building work, then you may need to make an application for the building work only.

Qualified Person - Use an electrician who is not a member of the 'Competent Person Scheme' but is a 'Qualified Person' e.g. qualified to City & Guilds 2391 16th Edition, or similar . If the work is an integral part of an extension or new dwelling and is carried out by a 'Qualified Person', then a separate Building Regulation application is not required. However, if the work is not part of an extension or new dwelling (but is carried out by a 'Qualified Person'), then a Building Regulation application must be submitted, and a fee will be required based upon the estimated cost of the work. N.B. This method of compliance is not recognised by many other Local Authorities.

DIY, or Non-Qualified - Alternatively the work may be carried out as Do it Yourself or by a 'Non-Qualified' person, however a separate Building Regulation application must be made (regardless of whether an application has been made for an extension or new dwelling) and a fee is required, based upon the estimated cost of the work.

For further guidance and information please read our Electrical Safety Booklet.