03 Building Regulations Flashcards
What are the Building Regulations and why do they exist?
- The Building Regulations are a set of prescriptive standards that apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings
- They seek to ensure the policies set out in relevant legislation are carried out
How long have the Building Regulations existed?
Introduced in 1965
What is the link between the Building Act, the Building Regulations and the Approved Documents?
- The Building Regulations are statutory instruments and are given legal status by the Building Act 1984
- The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) publishes guidance called ‘Approved Documents’ on ways to meet the Building Regulations
Is compliance with the Approved Documents mandatory?
- There is no obligation to adopt the solutions presented in the ADs, as the Building Regulations can be satisfied in other ways (e.g. through British Standards)
- NB: the LA may also grant a relaxation or dispensation of the requirements if they are proved to be too onerous or inapplicable
What takes precedence, Approved Documents or British Standards?
Neither, they both provide guidance to help achieve the requirements of the Building Regulations
List the current Approved Documents.
- Part A - Structure
- Part B - Fire Safety
- Volume 1: Dwellinghouses
- Volume 2: Buildings other than Dwellinghouses
- Part C - Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
- Part D - Toxic Substances
- Part E - Resistance to Sound
- Part F - Ventilation
- Part G - Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency
- Part H - Drainage and Waste Disposal
- Part J - Heat Producing Appliances
- Part K - Protection from Falling
- Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power
- L1A: New Dwellings
- L1B: Existing Dwellings
- L2A: New Buildings other than Dwellings
- L2B: Existing Buildings other than Dwellings
- Part M - Access and Use of Buildings
- Volume 1: Dwellings
- Volume 2: Buildings other than Dwellings
- Part P - Electrical Safety - Dwellings
- Part Q - Security - Dwellings
- Regulation 7 - Materials and Workmanship
What are the most recent changes to the Building Regulations?
- Part M is now in 2 volumes (one for dwellings and the other for buildings other than dwellings)
- Introduction of Part Q (security for dwellings)
When is Building Regulations approval required?
Approval is required when undertaking one of the following:
- The erection of a new building
- The extension or alteration of an existing building
- The installation of services or fittings (e.g. drainage, replacement windows, fuel burning appliances etc.)
A client wants to know where he can go to get Building Regulations approval on a project - what are his options?
- Local Authority Building Control (LABC) department - application is through the LA’s website (usually a prescribed form)
- Approved Inspector - private appointment, but client and inspector must jointly notify the LA that the Approved Inspector is carrying out the building control function of the works (called an ‘Initial Notice’)
- Registered Competent Person - registered installers who are competent in their field and can self-certify certain types of building work (e.g. FENSA)
What are the different types of application that can be made for Building Regulations approval?
- Full Plans Application - full details of the proposed building works are submitted for approval before works are carried out
- Building Notice - for smaller projects where works are approved as they are being carried out
NB: approval for works can also be gained retrospectively but this is obviously at risk to the client
What risks are associated with a ‘Building Notice’?
Leaves the client at risk that completed works might not be approved, resulting in remedial costs
For what works would a ‘Building Notice’ be unsuitable?
- Fire safety measures to workplaces
- Works within 3m of a public sewer
- Erection of new buildings fronting private streets
How long does Building Regulations approval take to decide?
Decision must be returned within 5 weeks, or 2 months if this is agreed in the application
How long does Building Regulations approval last?
Valid for 3 years from date plans were submitted
What could you do if Building Regulations approval is not granted?
- If approval is not given, the Building Act 1984 provides a procedure for the Secretary of State to resolve such matters (known as ‘determination’)
- NB: only available to ‘full plans’ applications, not ‘building notices’
