BUILDING REGULATIONS UPDATE
A new Principal Designer role related to the Building Regulations will be introduced as of 1 October 2023. This will be mandatory for all projects where building work is undertaken, and the Building Regulations apply.
The introduction of a Principal Designer (Building Regulations) role has been brought about by the introduction of The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 that now amends the Building Regulations 2010.
What Does This Mean?
The new role enhances duty holders’ responsibilities and includes clients, designers, Principal Designers, contractors, and Principal Contractors involved in a project. These principal duty holder roles are separate from the traditional health and safety-focused Principal Designer role (as defined under CDM requirements), instead focusing strictly on Building Regulation compliance matters.
The primary role of the Principal Designer (Building Regulations) is to plan, manage and monitor the design before work starts on-site to ensure that the design complies with the Building Regulations. This role can only be carried out by individuals or organisations with the required competency, skills and established management processes.
Legal Requirements
For all Building Regulations applicable projects, the new regulations require the appointment of a Principal Designer (Building Regulations). This ensures the design is inherently compliant with the Building Regulations when submitted to the regulators. It is incumbent upon all duty holders (clients, designers, Principal Designers, contractors, and Principal Contractors etc.) to take a proactive stance in demonstrating how their projects adhere to Building Regulations.
After completing the building work, the Client, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor may all need to provide the Approved Inspector with a Compliance Declaration Notice that the Building Regulations have been met.
Our Advice
As qualified RICS building surveyors and approved Principal Designers, Inform Surveying is on hand to offer advice and assistance on how compliance can be achieved under this new regulation. Please get in touch with us to see how we can help.
