Building Regulations Flashcards
What are the building regulations?
- A set of documents which detail the minimum standards for construction, alteration and refurbishment works within the UK.
- The Secretary of State has to power to make building regulations under The Building Act 1984.
What is the difference between the building regulations and planning permission?
- Building regulations detail the minimum standards for construction, alteration and refurbishment works within the UK.
- In contrast, planning permission is the legal process of determining whether a proposed development is permitted.
What is the purpose of the building regulations?
- Securing the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings.
- Furthering the conservation of fuel and power.
- Preventing undue waste or contamination of water.
What are the approved documents and are they compulsory?
- A set of documents which directly relate the building regulations.
- Provide practical guidance on how to achieve compliance with the building regulations.
- The approved documents are not compulsory as it is possible to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations using alternative methods that those detailed in the approved documents.
Outline some of the building regulations?
- Part A – Structure
- Part B – Fire Safety
- Part E – Resistance to Sound
- Part F – Ventilation
- Part H – Drainage and Waste Disposal
- Part K – Protection form falling, collision and impact
- Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power
- Part M – Access to and use of buildings
- Part P – Electrical Safety
- Part S – Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Charging
- Part T – Toilet Accommodation
When do the building regulations apply?
- Building Regulations apply to works classified as ‘building works’. Such works include:
o Erection of new building.
o Extension to a building.
o Alteration works that will temporarily or permanently affect the ongoing compliance of structure, access or fire safety.
o Installing insulation into a cavity wall.
o Underpinning works.
o Certain works which affect thermal elements or energy performance of a building.
Briefly describe the different options available for obtaining building regulations approval?
- Verification by the local authority building control department.
- Verification by an approved inspector.
- Competent person schemes.
What is a Registered Building Control Approver?
- The term Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) has replaced the term Approved Inspector - effective from 6th July 2024.
- An RBCA is a private company approved by the government and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to provide building control services.
- They act as an alternative to local authority building control, offering expertise and efficiency while ensuring safety and compliance with the Building Regulations.
What is a competent person scheme?
- Certain types of works do not require building regulations approval if they are undertaken by registered installers who can self-certify the works comply with building regulations.
Why did you use an approved inspector as opposed to local authority building control?
- Increased involvement from project outset which can help identify issues relating to non-compliance at design stage.
- Increased flexibility regarding site inspections.
Outline the stages of how you obtained building regulations approval via an approved inspector?
- The client and the approved inspector are jointly responsible for issuing an ‘Initial Notice’ to the local authority confirming responsibility for verification of building regulations compliance rests with the approved inspector.
- Local authority will check the initial notice within five working days. Works cannot commence during this period.
- Approved inspector will check proposals and undertake relevant consultations (such as fire authorities).
- Approved inspector will issue ‘Plans Certificate’ confirming compliance with building regulations.
- Approved inspector will undertake periodic site inspections.
- Approved inspector will issue ‘Final Certificate’ to local authority confirming works have been constructed in compliance with building regulations.
Outline the different ways of obtaining building regulations approval?
- A full plans application:
o Which is suitable for more complex works.
o Requires a detailed set of plans and supporting calculations for structural alterations.
o A decision is issued within five weeks (or eight weeks with agreement of applicant).
o Completion certificate is issued within eight weeks of completion of the building works.
o Works can commence subject to issue of a commencement notice 48 hours in advance of works.
- A building notice:
o Which is suitable for minor works.
o Does not require a set of plans or supporting calculations.
o Works can commence 48 hours after submission of building notice.
When can a building notice not be used?
- Building work to which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 apply (such as commercial or industrial buildings).
- Building works within 3m of a public sewer.
What are the implications for failure to comply with building regulations?
- No final certificate is issued which affects marketability.
- Enforcement notice (notice can be served within one year of completion of the work).
- Local authority can undertake the works and recover cost from offending party following failure to comply with enforcement notice.
- Unlimited fine (prosecution possible within two years of completion of the works).
