Building Control for a Commercial Refurbishment
Commercial refurbishment projects can range from relatively straightforward alterations through to significant changes involving layouts, structure, fire safety, accessibility and building services.
As a result, one of the questions that should be considered early in a refurbishment project is how the proposed work will be affected by the Building Regulations and whether Building Control involvement is required.
Complete Building Control Ltd (CBC) is a Registered Building Control Approver providing professional Building Control services for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
Does a Commercial Refurbishment Require Building Control?
Whether Building Control involvement is required will depend on the nature and extent of the proposed work.
A commercial refurbishment may involve work that falls within the requirements of the Building Regulations, particularly where the project includes:
- Structural alterations
- Changes to the building layout
- Fire safety considerations
- Ventilation
- Thermal performance
- Accessibility
- Changes to other regulated elements of the building
For this reason, Building Control should be considered at the beginning of the project rather than waiting until construction is ready to start.
Why Early Building Control Advice Can Help
Decisions made during the design stage can have a significant impact on how easily a project progresses during construction.
Discovering a compliance issue once work is already underway can potentially result in alterations, additional costs or delays.
CBC offers Pre-Application Advice, subject to appointment instruction, to architects and developers, providing an opportunity to discuss a proposed project before making a full Building Regulation Application.
Our Registered Building Inspectors can consider key aspects of the proposal and provide a practical interpretation of the relevant Approved Documents.
Fire Safety
Fire safety can be an important consideration in commercial refurbishment projects.
Changes to internal layouts, escape arrangements and the way different parts of a building are used can all have implications for the design.
Where applicable, CBC also manages the necessary statutory consultation with the Fire Authority as part of its Building Control service.
Considering these requirements during the design stage gives the project team an opportunity to address potential issues before construction progresses.
Accessibility
Commercial alterations may also need to consider accessibility requirements.
The requirements will depend on the building and the proposed work, but accessibility can form an important part of the wider Building Regulations assessment.
CBC’s Pre-Application Advice service can help architects and developers consider relevant accessibility requirements during the design stages of a project.
Thermal Performance and Ventilation
A refurbishment can also affect the thermal performance and ventilation of a building.
Changes to the building fabric and other elements of the development may introduce Building Regulations considerations relating to thermal performance or ventilation.
The exact requirements will depend on the nature and extent of the individual project, which is another reason why early assessment can be beneficial.
Structural Alterations
Commercial refurbishment projects can involve changes to the existing layout or structure of a building.
Where structural elements are affected, appropriate plans, calculations or other supporting information may need to be considered as part of the Building Control process.
Where required, CBC can undertake a detailed plan examination and work alongside the project’s design team as the proposals develop.
Building Control Inspections During the Refurbishment
Building Control involvement continues once the project moves from the drawing board to the construction site.
CBC’s Registered Building Inspectors undertake the necessary inspections during the construction phase.
The site team should keep Building Control informed as the work progresses so that inspections can be arranged at appropriate stages and relevant construction elements can be assessed before they are covered.
Completing the Building Control Process
At the end of the refurbishment, the relevant paperwork, certification and compliance information will need to be in order.
Current requirements also mean that the relevant duty holders must provide the necessary Compliance Declarationsbefore CBC can issue the Final Certificate.
Thinking about the necessary documentation throughout the project rather than waiting until the end can help make the completion process more straightforward.
Planning a Commercial Refurbishment?
If you are planning a commercial refurbishment, alteration or development, involving Building Control during the early stages can help identify potential issues before construction begins.
Complete Building Control Ltd provides professional Building Control services and works alongside clients, architects, developers and construction teams from the initial stages of a project through to completion.
Contact Complete Building Control Ltd to discuss your commercial refurbishment project or request a quotation.
