A like-for-like kitchen or bathroom refit does not automatically need a building regulations application. Replacing units or existing sanitary fittings is different from altering structure, creating a wet room, installing a new electrical circuit or changing services that must comply with building regulations. [1] [2]
Describe the work, not just the room
A quote labelled “new kitchen” might cover only cupboards and finishes, or it might include a removed wall, relocated sink, new cooker circuit and changed ventilation. Ask for those items to be separated in the scope so that the appropriate approval and certification route can be established for each. [1] [3]
Ordinary internal kitchen and bathroom alterations usually need no planning application. That does not deal with external alterations, an associated extension or listed building consent where special character is affected. Check those aspects separately rather than assuming that everything inside a home is unrestricted. [4] [5]
Electrical work: what is notifiable?
In England, notifiable domestic electrical work includes a new circuit, replacement of a consumer unit, and additions or alterations to an existing circuit within the defined special location around a bath or shower. A kitchen is not, simply because it is a kitchen, one of those bath-and-shower special locations. [3]
Non-notifiable does not mean that electrical safety requirements disappear. The new work must be appropriately designed, installed and checked. Ask the electrician to identify the certification provided and, where notification is required, whether this will be through a suitable competent person scheme or the agreed building control route. [3] [6]
Plumbing and gas appliances
Replacing a bath, basin, sink or WC is among the work GOV.UK identifies as not normally requiring approval on its own. Moving fittings to a new position or creating new drainage needs a fresh check of the associated work; the exemption for replacement fittings is not an exemption for every alteration around them. [2] [7]
Use a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for the relevant gas work when moving or changing a gas appliance. Ventilation and flue arrangements needed for safe operation must not be obstructed by new cabinetry or a changed layout. [8]
Do we have to fit a new extractor?
Keep or replace existing required extract ventilation when refurbishing. However, Approved Document F does not say that every like-for-like refit in a room without an existing fan automatically requires a new one. The work must not make the ventilation less satisfactory than before. [9]
That limited point should not be confused with creating a new wet room or making the home more airtight. New windows, sealed openings and other energy measures can bring separate ventilation requirements. Review the complete package rather than treating each trade's work in isolation. [9]
Layout changes can affect more than services
Removing a wall can affect structure or the protected escape route. Similarly, changing an existing accessible ground-floor WC must not remove the relevant provision or make it less accessible. These questions should be resolved before the new fittings fix the layout. [10] [11]
Work spanning the 2027 changes
Published 2026 ventilation and energy guidance takes effect for non-higher-risk work on 24 March 2027, with transitional arrangements. Where the refit includes controlled services or changes to the building fabric, check which edition applies; a cosmetic refit is not automatically a new-build upgrade project. [12] [13]