Building Control Essex: Key Considerations for Your Next Project
As a project owner looking to carry out a construction project or major renovation, or even as a builder, it is important to familiarise yourself fully with building controls in Essex. There are certain standards that all projects must comply with, and these are referred to as Building Regulations. On the other hand, building control is the function that ensures enforcement of those standards. Building control inspectors assess if building projects comply with building regulations or not and identify areas where they do not.
Building control in Essex plays a crucial role in regulating and giving guidance regarding construction. Thus, if you are implementing a project, be it constructing a new building, carrying out renovations or building extensions, you must endeavor to get a good grasp of building controls in Essex.
Here are some considerations related to building control that you need to understand to help you navigate the entire process smoothly:
Understanding building regulations
Some regulations related to construction projects have been put in place to take care of the health, welfare and safety of people in and around a building. These standards are what is referred to as building regulations, and cover different things, such as a building’s structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.
The law requires you to obtain building regulations approval from the local authority if you want to execute certain kinds of building work. Failure to get the approval before starting the work may result in you facing enforcement action, which could ultimately require you to tear down any work that has been done and pay fines and/or foot various costs.
Submitting building regulations approval
To get guidance regarding building control in Essex, it would be best to seek the services of a reputable professional or firm that is well-versed in building relations in the region. You could also decide to handle it on yourself, but it involves some paperwork, and committing enough time to it.
The application process entails submitting to the building control body detailed technical drawings alongside structural engineering design, specifications, calculations and other supporting design work. These are submitted under a formal building control application. When the building regulations approval is granted, you can get quotations from builders and actually implement your project.
Working with professionals
It can be a complex exercise to navigate building controls in Essex, especially if you decide to handle it on your own, but using the services of experienced professionals can smoothen the process. It is important to work with experts who are not just after gaining approval but who are also keen on other areas related to the project.
Some professionals don’t bother much with some aspects of the project and leave many gaps in the overall project design. If you work with such, you end up with mistakes, delays in your project and an increase in costs on site. In some extreme cases, your construction may be done incorrectly which may result in it being considered “illegal” later with dire consequences. Thus, you should hire firms or professionals who offer holistic design services without leaving any risky gaps so you get optimal value for your investment and have peace of mind.
Conclusion
You need to understand building controls in Essex as you plan on your construction project, whether it is a new building, renovation or an extension. The various building regulations ensure structures are safe and efficient and comply with the various regulations, so besides working to get building regulation approval, ensure your building meets all the aspects to avoid unnecessary costs and losses.
