Do I need a building regulations consultant for my project in Islington, London?
Islington is home to some of London’s most buzzing restaurants, theatres and boutique shops, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the capital.
Its excellent location and amenities explain why many people are embarking on building projects to ensure that their Islington house is their “forever home.”
If you’re based in this vibrant north London borough, or indeed any borough of London or Essex, and are planning a home building project, you may be considering using a building regulations architect. In this post, we’ll help you understand why these experts are important and what they can bring to your project.
What does a building regulations architect do?
A building regulations architect ensures that your project complies with UK building regulations legislation, and generally designs your project based on a thorough knowledge of technical design requirements, practical site and construction knowledge, and crucially with a level of technical understanding so that the drawings produced can be efficiently and economically constructed on site.
Building regulations make sure that properties being built, extended or renovated are safe and suitable for people to live in and minimise their impact on the environment.
These detailed standards involve many different areas of your project, including energy efficiency, fire safety, drainage and electrical work.
The process of gaining building regulations approval takes place after planning permission has been granted. It’s essential to pass this second stage of project planning so you can transition to the actual building work.
This is where a building regulations architect comes in. Their role is to navigate this process and ensure that their clients get approval so they can progress to the next stage.
As part of their role, a building regulations architect will:
Research your site and proposals, advising whether they are likely to be passed by building control.
Produce a detailed set of building regulations plans, technical drawings and specifications.
Liaise with other professionals, such as structural engineers, to provide relevant reports and calculations.
Organise surveys, such as soil investigations and damp surveys, to aid your application.
Collate the formal building control application. This is done by consulting with various professionals and obtaining technical drawings, reports and certifications.
Submit your building control application to the relevant authority on your behalf, and clear all of the building control conditions and queries that will be raised by the building control authority, in order to obtain full building control approval of the plans, so that you may then commence work on site.
Act as the point of communication between the local authority, building control inspector and yourself to ensure all parties are up-to-date with the progress of your application.
Why do I need a building regulations architect for my project in Islington, London?
There are many reasons why you should use the expertise of a building regulations architect:
If you don’t go through the proper process to gain building regulations approval, then you may be at risk of being ordered to demolish the works that have been carried out, and pay hefty fines.
Your building regulations architect can put together a comprehensive package, not just getting you through the approval stage but also covering every other area of your design project.
Once the building design package they have created has been approved, it can be used as the first step in obtaining estimates from builders.
They will be up-to-date with the latest building regulations, which can change from time to time with new requirements. If the latest regulations are not followed, this can lead to very costly mistakes on site when the works are being carried out.
As part of the process, your building regulations architect can liaise with building control inspectors, explaining the work done and communicating with both sides.
They will also have contacts with other professionals you may need for your project — for example, architectural services or planning permission consultants. Or, in the case of Humphreys & Sons, they will be able to provide a holistic package with all the services you need, as we are a firm of architects, building regulations consultants, party wall surveyors, project managers and building surveyors.
If you choose a local building regulations architect, you have the advantage of someone who knows your area and local authority building control practices, which will help inform their submission.
How do I find a building regulations architect in Islington, London?
Using a building regulations architect takes the headache out of creating and submitting a building regulations application. Get it right the first time by appointing a professional to do the hard work for you.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at Humphreys & Sons — your local family architects and chartered surveyors company covering London and Essex, including Islington.
We can help you with every stage of your project, including obtaining building regulations control, so all you have to do is look forward to the completion of your home or development.