Building Regulations & Planning Permission in Galway
Safety First
Structural stability & fire safety standards.
Planning Permission
Community & environmental guidelines.
Understanding Planning & Regulations
At KRB Construction & Windows Ltd, we ensure that all our projects adhere to the necessary building regulations and obtain the appropriate planning permissions. These processes are critical for avoiding legal issues and ensuring that construction projects meet the highest standards.
Regulations vs. Permission
Although they are separate processes, you will often need both. Building regulations focus on the technical safety of the construction (ventilation, energy efficiency, structure), while planning permission evaluates the broader impact of the development on the surrounding area.
We Handle The Process
"We guide our clients through the complexities of paperwork. From submitting applications to local authorities to meeting with planning officers, we ensure your project adheres to all standards."
Planning a project? Let us help.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations Explained
Two separate systems
Planning permission decides whether a development is acceptable on a site. Building Regulations set the technical standards for how it is built: structure, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, energy performance and access. A project can be exempt from planning permission and still have to comply fully with the Building Regulations.
How we help
Where a project needs it, we support you with:
- Checking whether an extension or conversion is likely to be exempted development.
- Preparing for a Section 5 declaration where there is doubt.
- Coordinating with architects, engineers and the local authority.
- Building to the Building Regulations and keeping the paperwork needed at completion.
Why it matters when you sell
Work without the right permission or certificates can cause problems when selling, insuring or mortgaging a house. Getting the position clear before design is far cheaper than discovering a problem later. Our guide to house extensions, planning permission and building regulations covers the basics, and the attic conversion checklist explains what changes when a loft becomes a habitable room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an extension always need planning permission?+
No. Some rear extensions are exempted development, but limits apply and previous extensions count. Building Regulations apply in every case.
What is a Section 5 declaration?+
A request to the planning authority to confirm in writing whether specific works are exempted development. It is usually cheaper and faster than a planning application and gives you a documented answer.
Can KRB deal with the local authority for me?+
We guide you through the process and coordinate with the professionals involved. For design and certification, we work with architects and engineers as the project requires.
Where do I start?+
Describe the project and the address and we will tell you what to check first. This page is general guidance, so always confirm the position for your own property with your local authority.