Approved Document Q sets the minimum security standard for new-build homes in England
If you are buying a new home or converting a building into a dwelling, you may have heard the term “Approved Document Q” (ADQ). This is a section of the Building Regulations 2010 that came into force in 2015 (GOV.UK, 2026). It applies only to new dwellings and material changes of use in England, such as converting a barn or office into a home.
The document mandates that all easily accessible doors and windows must be fitted with products meeting PAS 24:2016 or equivalent security standards. PAS 24 is a test standard that measures how long a door or window can resist physical attack, requiring a minimum of 3 minutes of resistance.
For existing homeowners, ADQ is not a legal requirement for replacement windows or doors. However, it is a clear benchmark for choosing secure products. The key takeaway is that ADQ is a building regulation for new builds, not a retrofit mandate for existing homes.
Who is legally required to comply with Approved Document Q
Anyone building a new home or converting a building into a dwelling must comply with ADQ. Building control bodies, either local authority or approved inspectors, will check compliance during the build (GOV.UK, 2026).
Homeowners replacing windows or doors in an existing home are not legally obligated to meet ADQ. The regulation applies only to new dwellings and material changes of use. If you are replacing windows in a new-build home within the first 10 years, the warranty may require ADQ-compliant products to maintain coverage. The NHBC Standards (2026 edition) state that security compliance is required under Chapter 6.1 (NHBC, 2026).
For replacement work in existing homes, you still need Building Regulations approval for energy efficiency (Document L) but not for security (Document Q). This means you are free to choose any secure product, though ADQ-compliant items offer a proven level of protection.
Quick numbers, ADQ compliance costs and standards
| Standard | Requirement | Typical cost premium vs non-ADQ | Product types covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAS 24:2016 test standard | Resist physical attack for 3 minutes | £50–£150 per window | Doors, windows, hardware |
| Minimum door security hardware | BS 3621 locks, hinge bolts, restricted-key cylinders | Varies by product | Multi-point locking systems |
| Window security hardware | Key-operated locks (BS 7950) | Varies by product | Restricted-key cylinders |
| Average cost uplift for ADQ-compliant window | Industry estimates only | £50–£150 per window | uPVC, timber, aluminium |
The cost premium for ADQ-compliant products varies widely depending on the manufacturer and installation complexity. There is no single government source for these costs, as they are market-driven (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
The direct answer to “what is approved document q” for homeowners
Approved Document Q is a section of the Building Regulations for England that sets minimum security standards for doors and windows in new dwellings. It requires that any door or window that is “easily accessible”, meaning ground floor or balcony level, must resist physical attack for a minimum of 3 minutes (GOV.UK, 2026).
The standard is met by fitting products tested to PAS 24:2016, or by using a combination of security hardware such as BS 3621 locks, hinge bolts, and restricted-key cylinders. PAS 24 is a rigorous test that simulates attempts to force open a door or window using tools.
For existing homeowners, ADQ is not mandatory. But it provides a clear benchmark for choosing secure replacement windows and doors. If you want the same level of security as a new-build home, look for products that carry PAS 24:2016 certification.
How to verify an installer for ADQ-compliant windows or doors
For new builds, the installer must be registered with a competent person scheme to self-certify ADQ compliance. Relevant schemes include FENSA for windows and doors, and CERTASS for doors and windows (FENSA, 2026; CERTASS, 2026).
For replacement work in existing homes, the installer does not need ADQ-specific certification. However, FENSA registration is still required for Building Regulations compliance under Document L (energy efficiency), not Document Q. To check an installer, use the FENSA database at fensa.org.uk or the CERTASS directory at certass.co.uk.
Always ask for PAS 24:2016 test evidence on the specific product model being installed. Do not accept a generic claim. The test report should list the product range and security hardware used. This is important whether you are building a new home or upgrading an existing one.
how to choose secure replacement windows
What happens if you don’t comply with Approved Document Q
For new builds, non-compliance means the building control body will refuse to sign off the project. You cannot legally occupy the dwelling without a completion certificate (GOV.UK, 2026). This can delay moving in and may require costly remedial work.
For existing homeowners, there is no penalty for non-compliance with ADQ because it does not apply to replacement work. However, if you are selling a new-build home within the first 10 years, the NHBC or other warranty provider may require ADQ compliance to maintain the structural warranty (NHBC, 2026).
If you are buying a new home, the developer is legally required to provide evidence of ADQ compliance as part of the handover pack. This includes the building control completion certificate and product certifications for doors and windows.
How to confirm your new-build home meets Approved Document Q
Ask your builder or developer for a copy of the building control completion certificate. This document confirms that all Building Regulations have been met, including ADQ. Check that all ground-floor doors and windows carry a label or certificate stating “PAS 24:2016” or equivalent (GOV.UK, 2026).
Request the specific test report from the window or door manufacturer. This should list the product range and security hardware used, such as multi-point locking systems and restricted-key cylinders. If you are buying a new home, the developer must provide this evidence in the handover pack under section 0.3 of Approved Document Q.
what to check in a new-build home handover pack
If you have any doubts, contact your local authority building control or the approved inspector who signed off the build. They can confirm whether the property meets ADQ requirements. For existing homes, you can choose ADQ-compliant products voluntarily to improve security, but it is not a legal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approved Document Q is a section of the Building Regulations 2010, effective since 2015 (GOV.UK, 2026). It sets minimum security standards for doors and windows in new dwellings and material changes of use in England.
No, ADQ does not apply to existing homes for replacement windows or doors. It only applies to new builds and conversions (material changes of use) in England.
ADQ requires easily accessible doors and windows to meet PAS 24:2016 or an equivalent security standard. PAS 24 tests resistance to physical attack for a minimum of 3 minutes.
Yes, you need Building Regulations approval for energy efficiency under Document L, but not for security under Document Q. ADQ compliance is not required for replacement work.
Yes, the NHBC Standards (2026 edition) require security compliance under Chapter 6.1 for new builds. For the first 10 years, the warranty may require ADQ-compliant products to maintain coverage.
