Material alteration

According to the Building Regulations, a 'material alteration' is an alteration where the work, or any part of it, would at any stage result:

• In a building or controlled service or fitting not complying with a relevant requirement where previously it did; or
• In a building or controlled service or fitting which before the work commenced did not comply with a relevant requirement, being more unsatisfactory in relation to such a requirement.

Where a 'relevant requirement' is any of the following applicable requirements of Schedule 1, namely:

• Part A (structure).
• paragraph B1 (means of warning and escape).
• paragraph B3 (internal fire spread—structure).
• paragraph B4 (external fire spread).
• paragraph B5 (access and facilities for the fire service).
• Part M (access to and use of buildings).

And a 'controlled service or fitting' means:

A service or fitting in relation to which Part G, H, J, L or P of Schedule 1 imposes a requirement.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Alterations to existing buildings.
• Approved documents.
• Building regulations.
• Do the building regulations apply to existing buildings?
• Material amendment.
• Material change of use.
• Minor material amendment.
• Non material amendment.