Building Control
Description
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new requirements for non-higher-risk buildings (non-HRBs), which are not subject to the same level of oversight as higher-risk buildings (HRBs). Here are the key points regarding building control for non-HRBs:
- Regulations aim to ensure that non-HRB projects are designed, constructed and managed to comply with the Building Regulations, thereby reducing risks and ensuring safety.
- For non-HRBs, you may need approval from a building control body. You can either choose your local authority's building control department or appoint a a registered Building Control Approver (RBCA). If you are unsure if your project requires Building Control, ask your registered building control approver for advice.
The rationale for getting Building Control approval is to establish a compliance pathway early and avoid redesign delays.
The objective is to ensure the design aligns with all regulatory requirements. The Project Manager is to coordinate the Design Team to integrate:
- Part A (Structure)
- Part B (Fire Safety)
- Part L (Energy/Thermal)
- Part M (Accessibility)
Project Manager to seek a fee proposal from the RBCA for their scope of work. Once the RBCA is appointed, schedule design reviews focusing on compliance risks. Ensure drawings/specifications reach sufficient detail. Recrod feedback from the registered Building Control Approver and distribute to the Design Team. Adjust the design based on early guidance.
Engagement
The Project Manager is to ensure engagement with the RBCA at all stages of the project lifecycle, from RIBA 3 onwards. You can approach them earlier should be project require it. RBCA will review all design drawings and specifications in line with Building Regulations and advise before proceeding to the next stage. (Refer to the approver link below) - which will outline steps for RIBA 4 onwards.
Forms & Links
Find a Registered Building Control Approver: Find a registered building control approver in England - GOV.UK
Approvals & Compliance Review
Maintain a clear record of all Building Control feedback and file accordingly in the project file on Box. The Estates Records & Archives Officer will carry out random audits of the project filing and contact the Project Manager if folders need to be populated.
Repeated Subsequent RIBA Stages
RIBA Stage 4
The client must submit an initial notice (often referred to as Declaration 1) to the RBCA, declaring the design is compliant and the Design Team/Principal Designers are competent. This initial notice must be submitted before construction works commence, but no later than 72 hours before construction commences.
RIBA Stage 5
The client must submit a commencement notice (often referred to as Declaration 2) to the RBCA, declaring the construction works have legally commenced.
The Principal Contracto will arrange site inspections with the RBCA, and will maintain site records such as: photos, test certificates and installation records.
If all relevant documentation has been received, at project completion, the Client must submit a final declaration notice (often referred to as Declaration 3) to the RBCA. The final declaration that works are compliant under building regulations is a crucial step in the building control process. It confirms that the building work meets the standards set out in the Building Regulations and is legally required for most building work in the UK. The declaration must include details of the completed work, compliance with all applicable regulations, and a statement of knowledge regarding the work's compliance.
If all conditions set out by the RBCA have been met, they will isue a completion certificate. The access to and use of the space cannot be utilised with the completion certificate.
RIBA Stage 6
Ensure compliance documentation is properly archived and handed over. The Project Manager is to ensure everything is archived and key documentation in line with O&M guidelines is submitted. These include:
- Completion Certificate
- As-Built Drawings
- Compliance documentation, paying particular attention to Regulation 38 fire information. All documentation as per Exchange Information Requirements and O&M guidelines.