Principal works in the construction industry
According to approved document L of the building regulations, the term 'principal works' means:
| ...the work necessary to achieve the client's purposes in extending the building and/or increasing the installed capacity of any fixed building services. The value of the principal works is the basis for determining a reasonable provision of consequential improvements. |
Where, fixed building services are internal or external lighting systems (not emergency escape lighting or specialist process lighting), fixed systems for heating, domestic hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation, or any combination of those systems.
And, consequential improvements are efficiency improvements consequential to changes to a building, required by regulation 28 of the Building Regulations to make the whole building comply with Part L of the Building Regulations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
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.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.



















