Building regulations are a legal requirement in most states. The regulations ensure that the structure meets all the safety guidelines required by the state. Besides building regulations, you also need a planning permit unless the project is covered under the permitted development clause.
Not getting or following building regulations in Essex can lead to legal issues. In this guide, you will learn more about building regulations and the benefits they bring to owners and the local community.
Purpose of Building Regulations
The primary purpose of building regulations is to protect the owners and occupants of the structure. During the construction, inspectors from the local authority visit the site to monitor the progress. They also evaluate if the building follows all the guidelines and standards stipulated in the city’s building regulations codes.
After the project is over and it meets all the standards, the building owner is issued with a certificate from the local authority. As mentioned, this is a legal requirement in Essex and other cities worldwide.
The codes and standards under the building regulations may vary depending on the city. We recommend hiring a construction consultant to help you during the application process. In some cities, you can opt to work with licensed building inspectors who will review the progress of your project and offer professional advice.
Building Regulations Stage Services
Applying for building regulations in Essex is split into various phases. The first stage focuses on the building plans and specifications. After that, the inspector or private consultant from Humphreysandsons will review the building’s structural engineering design and calculations.
The inspectors will also take soil samples from the site to determine its bearing capacity. Remember, all of these steps mentioned are done before you break ground.
Having a consultant on board will help make the process smoother. They will ensure that all of your documents are correct before sending them to the local authority offices. Documents with wrong calculations or incomplete drawings will be rejected, meaning you must reapply.
Benefits of Building Regulations in Essex
Building regulations come with many benefits for both the community and owner. At the top of the list is public safety. The standards ensure that the building meets safety standards and withstands potential hazards such as tremors.
The building must also be equipped with safety features such as fire escape routes for the safety of the tenants. While they’re at it, during construction, the inspector will ensure that health and safety regulations are followed to ensure that the construction workers have safety gear.
The regulations also enforce best construction practices. Enforcing the standards means the best materials and processes are used to ensure that the structure is built to last. This also protects the building owner from getting scammed by unlicensed engineers and project managers.
A building regulations compliance certificate is a significant factor when selling property. If planning to sell the building later, most buyers will request the compliance certificate. Not having one can make the sale process difficult.
Building regulations prioritize energy efficiency. The building regulations in Essex will ensure that the structure has energy-saving features to reduce the carbon footprint. This will also protect future owners from spending huge sums on utility costs.
Accessibility is also a huge factor, especially if you are building a structure for public use. The regulations will ensure that your buildng has lifts and ramps where necessary.
How to Obtain a Building Regulations Approval
Process of obtaining approval can be long, especially for massive projects. As mentioned, you can opt to work with building inspectors from the local authority or hire a licensed private inspector.
- You require detailed plans and documentation for the project. This will include site surveys, architectural drawings, structural calculations, and other relevant documents. Ensure that all of the papers are correct and complete. Work with professional architects and quantity surveyors to help you create professional plans.
- After everything is ready, the next step is to submit the plans alongside your application to the building control body. Their job is to review everything in your submission before giving you the green light to proceed with the project. In some cities, you may need to pay an application fee.
- The review process can take between 8-12 weeks. After it is done, you can start the construction project. The inspector will visit the site at various stages to check if the work aligns with the approved plans. They will address any concerns or non-compliance issues before you can move to the next phase.
After successful completion, you will get a compliance certificate from the building control body.
Bottom Line
Building regulations in Essex are a legal requirement. Getting building regulations approval will help ensure that your project is built per the city’s code of standards. It will also protect you and ensure the safety of future owners.
We recommend hiring a construction expert to help you during the application process. They will also come in handy when hiring architects and engineers for your project.