Figure out what you can and can't do when it comes to building repairs or improvements in the home.
UK legislation places restrictions on DIY when it comes to gas, electricity, water mains and waste disposal in the home, so it's important to be clear on what's legally allowed. The government is also currently deciding on whether further restrictions are needed for plumbing work.
Remember, if in doubt, contact your local planning authority.
Gas
Any repairs involving gas can only be legally performed by a Gas Safe Register approved heating engineer.
Dos
- Lay a pipe (from point A to point B)
- Turn gas on or off
Don'ts
- Connect any gas appliance or pipe
- Move existing pipes
- Tamper with a gas meter
Electricity
All electrical repairs covered by the Building Regulations can only be legally performed by a NICEIC registered engineer.
Dos
- Add an additional socket to existing circuit
- Replace an existing light/ other appliance
- Change a plug/ light bulb/ fuse
- Add a breaker unit
- Turn electricity on/ off
- Turn a fuse switch to 'on' if it cuts out
- Turn a fuse switch to 'off' if replacing an appliance
Don'ts
- Complete rewiring
- Wire to a fuse box, e.g. new circuit
- Add new electrics, e.g. light, shower, cooker, socket
- Replace damaged electric cables
- Add new outdoor electricity connections
- Tamper with an electric meter
Water / Waste
Contact your local water supplier if you have questions.
Dos
- Make a new connection to water mains on your property
- Put in a shower, bath, sink
- Create/replace new waste pipes
- Unblock pipes
- Turn water on/off
Don'ts
- Connect to anyone else's water/drainage system (without formal agreement)
- Connect or interfere with pipes or drainage outside your property's boundaries
- Tamper with a water meter
Asbestos
Contact your local council if you have any questions.
Dos
- Remove non-licensed asbestos products e.g. Artex or cement
Don'ts
- Dispose of asbestos as normal waste (it can only be disposed of where 'hazardous waste' is accepted)
- Sand, drill or saw asbestos
- Remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings or insulation board