Building Regulations
The building control system exists to ensure buildings are properly designed and constructed. Buildings must ensure the health, safety and welfare of people using them and must also be convenient to use.
The current Building Regulations were introduced in 2000 and have subsequently been amended several times. The principal areas covered by the regulations are:
The current Building Regulations were introduced in 2000 and have subsequently been amended several times. The principal areas covered by the regulations are:
- Structural stability - the building must safely carry anticipated loadings.
- Fire precautions - controlling the materials used according to the degree of risk, and ensuring buildings could be evacuated without loss of life in the event of a fire.
- Prevention of dampness and condensation in buildings.
- Sound resistance of walls and floors between dwellings.
- Ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated voids.
- Hygiene, sanitary appliances and drainage.
- Heating appliances, including the safe discharge of flue gasses.
- Stairways, ramps and vehicle barriers.
- Conservation of fuel and power. For example, is the building properly insulated?
- Access to buildings and facilities for disabled people.
- The safe positioning of glazing in windows and doors.
- Electrical safety