Building Regulations Flashcards
1
Q
What are the Building Regulations?
A
- The building regulations are made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, the current edition of the regulations is The Building Regulations 2010.
- The Building Regulations are intended to protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings. The regulations are also designed to improve conservation of fuel and power, protect and enhance the environment and promote sustainable development
2
Q
What is deemed to constitute building work?
A
- The erection or extension of a building.
- The provision or extension of a controlled fitting in or in connection with a building.
- Material alteration of a building, or controlled service or fitting.
- Works required by regulation 6 (requirements relating to a material change of use)
- The insertion of insulation material into the cavity wall of a building.
- Work involving the underpinning to a building
3
Q
What is regulation 6?
A
- Where there is a material change of use of the whole of a building, such work, if any, shall be carried out as is necessary to ensure that the building complies with the regulations.
4
Q
When do the building regulations apply?
A
- The Building Regulations apply to any building that involves the erection of a new building, the extension of a building, the material alteration of a building, the installation, alteration or extension of a controlled service or fitting.
5
Q
What is a controlled fitting?
A
- Items to which Approved Documents F, G, H, J, L and P apply.
- This includes sanitary equipment, unvented hot water storage systems, foul and surface water drainage, and combustion appliances.
6
Q
Where do the Building regulations apply?
A
- England only.
- Scotland: Building regulations are devolved in Scotland and administered by 32 local authorities, these are responsible for granting permissions (Building Warrants) and Completion Certificates.
- Wales: Building regulations have been devolved since December 2011.
7
Q
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations?
A
- The owner of the building, as that’s who the enforcement notice will be served upon.
8
Q
Are there any time limits when using an approved inspector?
A
- An approved inspector needs to serve an initial notice on the council that has to be validated 5 working days before the project commences.
9
Q
What is an approved inspector?
A
- Companies or individuals authorised under the Building Act 1984 to carry out building control work in England and Wales
10
Q
What are the types of building control application?
A
- Full Plans
- Building Notice
- Regularisation
11
Q
What are the differences?
A
- Full Plans
Submit detailed plans, calcs etc. and pay a fee, plans are checked and a decision is made within 5 weeks, or 2 months with the consent of the applicant.
Valid for three years - Building Notice
Work can start within 2 days after the notice has been submitted.
No plans are required, best suited to minor works.
Cannot be used for work to which The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order applies (commercial or industrial), for work close to or over rain water or foul drains, where a new building fronts a private street. - Regularisation
Retrospective approval for works undertaken without consent
12
Q
Are there any limits on regularisation?
A
- Only work carried out after 11th November 1985 can be approved in this way.
- Can only be provided by Local Authority Building Control
13
Q
Any special requirements for demolition?
A
- The Local Authority must have six weeks’ notice under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984.
14
Q
At what points would a building control inspector be notified to visit site:
A
- Excavation for a foundation
- Foundations up to DPC, before covering up.
- Drains
- Structural elements, steel, concrete or timbers before covering up,
- Completion.
15
Q
What is self-certification?
A
- Allows competent persons to self-certify that their work complies with the building regulations, as an alternative to submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector.
