Latest Building Control News

Consultations on Proposed Changes to the Building Regulations

• DCLG: 2012 consultation on changes to the building regulations in England - Section one - Introduction to the consultation package and proposals on parts A, B, C, K, M and N, access statements, security, changing places toilets and Regulation 7
  This consultations seeks views on proposals to parts A, B, C, K, M and N, access statements, security, changing places toilet and Regulation 7. It is section one of four, relating to the 2012 building regulations consultation exercise.
  
• DCLG: 2012 consultation on changes to the building regulations in England - Section two - Part L (conservation of fuel and power)
  This consultation seeks views on proposals to part L, and is section two of four, relating to the 2012 building regulations consultation exercise. It includes proposals for tighter carbon dioxide emission standards for new homes and non-domestic buildings, to take the next step towards zero carbon standards, plus tighter performance standards for works to existing buildings
  
• DCLG: 2012 consultation on changes to the building regulations in England - Section three - Part P (electrical safety - dwellings)
  This consultation seeks views on proposals to Part P, and is section three of four, relating to the 2012 building regulations consultation exercise. It includes proposals to reduce the cost associated with the provisions governing electrical safety in the home whilst not undermining safety benefits.
• DCLG: 2012 consultation on changes to the building regulations in England - Section four - The building control system
  This consultation seeks views on proposals on the Building Control System. It is section four of four, relating to the 2012 building regulations consultation exercise.

Building Regulation Charges

Changes to Approved Documents L, F & J

Part L1A

• Energy standards improved by 25% over the 2006 standards,
• CO2 emmision rates calculated by SAP2009
• Designed SAP2009, along with specification used to calculate it, are to be submitted prior to Building work starting,
• Party wall construction now considered for heat loss on SAP2009,
• Methods of air pressure testing changed
• A U-Value of 0.25w/m2k to limit heat loss from swimming pool basins has now been included in SAP2009,
• The table for limiting worst acceptable standards for fabric properties has been updated and includes the area weighted average for all elements of that type,
• New accredited construction details for thermal bridging are to change but are not expected to be published earlier than April 2011.

Part L1B

Whenever a fixed building service is to be extendedor provided, guidance is now set out in the Domestic Building Services Compliance guide. This is a new document covering the following -

• Heating & hot water systems - Mechanical ventilation, mechanical cooling/airconditioning, fixed internal & external lighting (75% low energy light fittings)
• Renewable energy systems - Table 1 for all glazing elements has changed to take into account the U-Value requirement if the external appeareance of the building has to be retained. In table 2 there are improved U-Value standards for thermal elements and glazing

• New requirement for CO2 emission rate calculations - to be submitted prior to work being carried out. This is in addition to the CO2 emission to be submitted after completion.
• Guidance on buildings that are exempt from energy efficiency requirements, such as places of worship, temporary buildings, industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demands.

Part L2B

• Changes to U Values and standards for controlled fittings, new thermal elements and upgrading retained thermal elements (table 3).
• Non-domestic Building Services Compliance guide now covers the following gas and oil biomass-fired boilers:

                                  Heat pumps
                                  Gas & Oil fired warm air heaters
                                  Gas & Oil radiant technology
                                  Combined heat & power community heating
                                  Direct electric space heating
                                  Domestic hot water
                                  Pipework and ductwork insulation
                                  Lighting
                                  Comfort cooling
                                  Air distribution systems

Fixed systems for mechanical ventilation and associated controls must be commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary. Within five days of completion, the installer must give sufficient information to the owner about the buildings ventilation system and maintenance requirements. This regulation applies to new dwellings. Testing of the mechanical airflow system to be in accordance with a procedure approved by the Secretary of State. Notice of the testing results and commissioning notice to be submitted to the local authority.

Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide

This is a new 2nd tier document, contains further guidance on the follwing:

• Natural ventilation and intermittent extract systems
• Continous mechanical ventilation systems
• Documentation to be handed over to the end user
• Inspection checklist and air permeability test to dwellings

Part J

The main changes are to the guidance of installing concealed flues, air supply to solid fuel appliances and advice on installing flues in thatched buildings. A carbon monoxide alarm is required to be located in the room where a new or replacement solid fuel appliance is to be installed. Guidance is also given on the positioning of the alarm.

The above is a summery of the main changes. Please contact Building Control if further advice is required.

Approved Documents part F, J and L1A, L1B, L2A & L2B 2010 edition

• Comes into force - 1 October 2010

• Work already started - current building regulations apply indefinitely

• Work not started but plans submitted - current building regulations apply indefinitely so long as work started before 1 October 2011.

Please do not hesitate to contact Building Control if you require any further information.

The new ConsumerCode for Home Builders will become active for purchasers of new homes on or after 1 April 2010. It clarifies the responsibiity and actions required by developers and warrenty providers to improve service and complaint resolution to customers of new homes. It is the result of the Barker Review in 2004 and the Office of Fair TradingStudy in 2008.

Details of the enhancements to consumer protection are detailed on this website - http://www.consumercodeforhomebuilders.com/ 

Philip Hammond, LABC's National Business Development Director, welcomes the new code. "For years purchasers of new homes have been unclear about their rights and in some cases they have been unfairly treated. Local Authoritys have always been keen to improve house building quality and to ensure that those who purchase homes have their dreams fulfilled. This is why LABC offers the LABC New Home Warranty as a whole package alongside our building control service. There are many high quality builders and the vast majority of customers have a good experience. However , this new code will ensure that everyone has protection and can get clear information on their rights. We are very pleased to support this and will work hard with our LABC New Home Warranty team to promote this to customers."