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Part P Non-Compliance — What To Do
Electrical work has been done in your home without the required Part P Building Regulations notification.
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What's happening?
Part P of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) requires that most electrical work in dwellings is either carried out by a registered competent person (who can self-certify) or notified to the local Building Control body. Work that falls under Part P includes new circuits, consumer unit changes, work in bathrooms and kitchens, and outdoor electrical installations. Non-notified work is technically a building regulations breach.
What usually causes it?
- Electrician who was not registered with a competent person scheme carried out notifiable work without notifying Building Control
- DIY electrical work on notifiable circuits without Building Control involvement
- Kitchen or bathroom electrical work done without realising it was notifiable
- Consumer unit replacement done without Part P notification
- Garden or outdoor electrical installation without proper certification
Is it dangerous?
Non-compliance with Part P does not necessarily mean the work is unsafe, but it does mean the work has not been independently verified. The danger depends on the quality of the work done. Improperly installed circuits can have inadequate protection, incorrect cable sizing, or missing earthing — all of which are fire and shock risks.
Can I fix it myself?
You cannot self-certify Part P work retrospectively. The options are to have the work inspected and tested by a registered electrician who can then notify Building Control, or to apply to your local council for a retrospective Building Regulations application (regularisation certificate). The council will send a Building Control inspector to check the work.
When should you call an electrician?
Call a registered electrician (one who is part of NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or another competent person scheme) to inspect and test the non-compliant work. They can assess whether the work meets current standards and, if it does, may be able to certify it. If it does not meet standards, they can carry out the necessary remedial work and then certify it.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Inspect and test the non-compliant electrical work against current standards
- Identify any defects or areas that do not meet BS 7671 requirements
- Carry out remedial work to bring the installation up to standard
- Issue the appropriate electrical certificates (EIC or MEIWC)
- Notify Building Control through their competent person scheme registration
- Provide you with formal certification for your records
What will it cost to fix?
£150–£500
Inspection and testing of existing work: £150–£250. Remedial work varies depending on what needs correcting. A regularisation certificate from Building Control costs around £250–£500 if you go that route.
Find an electricianFrequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
What work falls under Part P?
Notifiable work includes: new circuits, consumer unit replacement, work in bathrooms (within defined zones), work in kitchens, outdoor electrical work, and work in special locations like swimming pools. Minor repairs, like-for-like replacements, and adding sockets to existing circuits (outside special locations) are generally not notifiable.
What happens if I sell a house with non-notified work?
Buyers' solicitors will ask for electrical certificates. If you cannot provide them, the buyer may insist on a price reduction, indemnity insurance, or the work being regularised before completion. It can delay or complicate the sale.
Can I get a regularisation certificate from the council?
Yes. You can apply to your local council for a regularisation certificate (retrospective Building Regulations approval). This involves a Building Control inspector visiting to check the work. The fee is typically £250–£500, and they may require the work to be opened up for inspection.
Will I be fined for non-compliant electrical work?
Local authorities can technically prosecute for Building Regulations breaches, but this is extremely rare for domestic properties. The more practical consequences are difficulty selling the property and potential insurance implications.
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