What they are
A set of national standards covering structure, fire, ventilation, drainage, heat loss, sound, glazing, access and a handful of other topics. They are made under the Building Act and updated periodically.
How they are enforced
Local authority Building Control or an Approved Inspector checks work at key stages and issues a Completion Certificate at the end. The legal duty to comply sits with the person commissioning the work — usually the homeowner.
What they are not
They are not planning permission, not a contract specification, and not a measure of quality. They are a minimum standard, not a benchmark of excellence.
Frequently asked
No. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own regime.