Most home extension projects require approval under the building regulations and responsibility for this usually lands with installers. In this blog, we will explore the responsibilities behind gaining building control approval, and how our independently tested and pre-approved Guardian Home Extension can help to simplify the process despite being classed as a nonstandard construction.
The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) saw a number of updates to duty holder roles and responsibilities. As installers typically handle both the design and construction of home extensions, they take on the roles of:
In practice, this means they are liable for ensuring and demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations from the very beginning of the project. This includes preparing all necessary documentation and accurate plans during the design stage, detailing aspects such as:
They must carry out the works to meet these proposals. Under these roles, installers are also often asked by their clients to take responsibility for notifying the relevant Building Control bodies and the appropriate stages, and arranging inspections where necessary.
Building Control approval for home extensions is usually gained via:
Building notice – on simple, small-scale projects, you can simply notify LABC before work commences on site, with no need to submit plans beyond an accurate location plan. Inspections of the final construction will need to be carried out.
Full plans – on larger projects that are usually architect-led, detailed plans are submitted and gain approval before work commences. Staged site inspections are then arranged at key milestones as the works progress. A completion certificate is issued at the end of the project to confirm compliance.
It is important to note that the definition of ‘commencement’ of work for existing and new buildings has changed under the BSA too. For new extensions, this is typically the date at which the foundations and ground floor structure is completed. A notice of completion must usually be submitted within five days of the work being completed. Additionally, the BSA has strengthened local authorities’ ability to issue compliance notices (where urgent remedial works are required) and stop notices where building regulations have been breached.
Whatever route is followed, using more innovative methods of construction, such as the Guardian Home Extension over traditional bricks and mortar, can potentially make application processes more complex as these are deemed ‘non-standard constructions’. Therefore, they require a much more in-depth assessment and inspection to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
To help ease this process, we have partnered with local building control authorities to get our system pre-approved.
Guardian Building Systems has collaborated with Hertfordshire Building Control (HBC) to have the Guardian Home Extension assessed and approved under a ‘Partnership Authority Scheme’. This means that HBC can liaise directly with LABC and be able to supply relevant supporting system documentation to demonstrate that it complies with all relevant regulatory requirements, such as thermal and fire performance.
This is helped by the fact that the thermal performance of the Guardian Warm Roof used within the system has been assessed by the UK Building Research Establishment (BRE) – independently certifying that the U-value achieved by our standard Warm Roof system is 0.15 W/m²K or better, depending on the project requirements and system design.
Learn more about our commitment to independent testing.
Dealing with Building Control can be a source of anxiety for a lot of installers and homeowners alike. However, by putting our system through it paces and providing clear and independent evidence of its performance, we have been able to make sure the Guardian Home Extension will be a compliant, comfortable and long-lasting addition to any home.
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