This guidance helps you describe your proposed building work clearly for an Initial Notice in England. Keep it concise, factual, and aligned with your drawings.
Key points
- Be specific about what is being done and where (e.g. “replacement of first-floor front windows only”).
- Be complete – include all works covered under this notice.
- Avoid vague terms like “alterations”, “etc.” or “associated works”.
- Ensure the description matches your drawings and documents.
- For multi-plot or mixed-use developments, provide separate descriptions per plot/aspect.
- Where several works are included, list them clearly in one sentence (e.g. “rear extension, roof replacement, and internal wall removal”).
- For loft conversions, always confirm the existing number of storeys in the dwelling.
⚠️ Important warning:
If all notifiable works are not clearly identified in your Description of Works,
there is a risk that any omitted elements may be regarded as unauthorised works under the Building Act 1984.
This could lead to enforcement action or prosecution by the local authority.
Examples – poor vs accurate
| Type of Work |
Poor Description |
Improved / Accurate Description |
| Single-storey extension |
“Rear extension” |
“Single-storey rear extension to form enlarged kitchen and dining area, with new structural opening to rear wall and connection to existing drainage.” |
| Two-storey extension |
“Two-storey extension” |
“Two-storey side extension providing new utility at ground floor and bedroom above; pitched roof to match existing.” |
| Loft conversion |
“Loft conversion” |
“Conversion of roof space in existing two-storey dwelling to create an additional bedroom with en-suite; new staircase and rooflights to front and rear elevations.” (Always confirm the current number of storeys.) |
| Window replacement |
“New windows” |
“Replacement of windows to front elevation only; no alteration to opening sizes or layout.” |
| Thermal upgrade |
“Insulation works” |
“Thermal upgrade of existing roof and external walls to rear of dwelling; internal insulation applied to north elevation.” |
| Internal alterations |
“Alterations” |
“Removal of load‑bearing wall between kitchen and dining area; installation of steel beam; reconfiguration of ground floor layout.” |
| New dwellings (multi‑plot) |
“Site works” |
“Construction of three new detached dwellings, each two‑storey with integral garage and associated drainage and access works. Separate descriptions provided per plot.” |
| Shop fit‑out (commercial) |
“Shop refit” |
“Internal refit of ground-floor retail unit, including new partition layout, suspended ceiling, and upgraded staff WC.” |
| Office refurbishment (commercial) |
“Office refurb” |
“Refurbishment of first-floor office suite with reconfigured partitions, meeting room, upgraded lighting, and accessible WC.” |
| Industrial / warehouse |
“Warehouse works” |
“Single-storey side extension to existing warehouse to enlarge loading bay; new roller shutter door and drainage alterations.” |
| Mixed‑use building |
“Alterations to building” |
“Alterations to ground-floor shop and conversion of upper floors to two self‑contained flats, including new internal stair and fire separation works.” |
Final checklist
- Have you described all elements of the work?
- Have you stated which parts of the building or which plots it applies to?
- For loft conversions — have you confirmed the number of existing storeys?
- Does your description match your drawings and documents?
- Have you excluded electrical and solid fuel works unless they are separately certified?
Download full guidance (PDF): Description_of_Works_Guidance_Initial_Notice_v2.pdf