Building regulations

Construction projects are subject to a vast array of legislation and regulation. Among the most significant are building regulations. An awareness of the requirements of these regulations, and the implications of not complying with them, is very important for all concerned in construction projects.

The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in Building Act 1984 (BA 1984), and apply in England and Wales. The current edition is the Building Regulations 2010, SI 2010/2214 (the Building Regs). The majority of building projects are required to comply with these regulations—including most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings.

The Building Regs promote:

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standards for most aspects of a building's construction, including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation and electrical safety
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energy efficiency in buildings, and
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the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible

Schedule 1 to the Building Regs sets out various requirements in relation to the design and construction of buildings:

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Part A—Structural safety
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Part B—Fire safety
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Part

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