Approved document 7
The building regulations establish standards to be achieved in the construction of buildings. Approved documents provide guidance for how the building regulations can be satisfied in common situations.
Approved Document 7: materials and workmanship, supports regulation 7 of the building regulations, requiring the carrying out building work using the proper materials and in a workmanlike manner.
The latest edition, updated to reflect changes in the Construction Products Regulations, was published on 3 January 2013 and came into force on 1 July 2013. It applies to building works in England.
Regulation 7 requires that building work is carried out:
- With adequate and proper materials which:
- Are appropriate for the circumstances in which they are used,
- Are adequately mixed or prepared, and
- Are applied, used or fixed so as adequately to perform the functions for which they are designed; and
- In a workmanlike manner.
The approved document's contents include:
- Summary.
- Continuing control.
- Interaction with other legislation.
- Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations.
- Performance and limitations.
- Performance.
- Limitations.
- Ways of establishing the fitness of materials.
- Short-lived materials.
- Materials susceptible to changes in their properties.
- Section 2: Workmanship.
- Ways of establishing the adequacy of workmanship.
Following the Grenfell Tower Fire, a decision was taken to ban combustible materials in the cladding for buildings over 18m in height. The following change to approved document 7 came into force on 21 December 2018.
| The Building Regulations restrict the use of combustible materials in the external walls of certain buildings over 18m in height. Refer to regulation 7(2) of the Building Regulations and to Approved Document B: volume 2, part B4 for details. |
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.