Approved documents

What are approved documents?

In construction, building regulations, and compliance with them, are important to all developments and the safety of those who will occupy them. “Approved Documents” are often referenced when discussing regulation but they, in themselves, are not legislation – so what are they?

Approved Documents are official guidance documents issued by governments or regulatory bodies to assist builders, architects, engineers, and other professionals in complying with building regulations. These documents provide practical advice and specifications to ensure construction projects meet required safety, sustainability, and usability standards.

In the UK, for example, Approved Documents are provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) under the Building Regulations 2010. Each document corresponds to a specific aspect of building design and construction, offering detailed technical guidance to achieve compliance.

Approved Documents are typically organized by thematic areas of building construction and performance. In the UK, the series covers various aspects, including:

• Part A: Structure

• Part B: Fire Safety

• Part C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture

• Part D: Toxic Substances

• Part E: Resistance to Sound

• Part F: Ventilation

• Part G: Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency

• Part H: Drainage and Waste Disposal

• Part J: Heat Producing Appliances

• Part K: Protection from Falling, Collision, and Impact

• Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power

• Part M: Access to and Use of Buildings

• Part P: Electrical Safety

• Part Q: Security in Dwellings

Each document provides a combination of detailed drawings, performance standards, and references to technical specifications or methodologies.

Access approved documents here...

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/approved-documents#building-regulations-and-approved-documents-index

... or here:

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents

Approved Documents themselves are not legally binding. They are advisory in nature, providing one way to demonstrate compliance with building regulations. However, compliance with building regulations is mandatory, and following the guidance in Approved Documents is a widely accepted way to meet these legal requirements.

For example:

• A builder can deviate from the specifics of an Approved Document as long as      they can demonstrate that the alternative method meets or exceeds the      regulation’s intent.

• Approved Documents are often used as a benchmark during building inspections and certification processes.

Why are they important?

· Ensuring Safety: They set out guidelines to prevent structural failures, fire hazards, and other safety risks.

· Standardizing Quality: They provide a consistent framework that all construction projects can follow, ensuring uniformity in safety and performance.

· Simplifying Compliance: They make it easier for professionals to understand and meet complex legal requirements.

· Encouraging Sustainability: Modern Approved Documents increasingly emphasize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

What happens if you don’t comply with Building Regulations?

Failing to comply with building regulations can lead to serious consequences for builders, property owners, and developers. These regulations exist to ensure safety, accessibility, and sustainability in construction, and ignoring them can have legal, financial, and practical repercussions.

1. Legal consequences

· Prosecution and Fines

· Enforcement Notices

2. Demolition or Reconstruction Orders

Authorities may require you to undo the work or make substantial changes to bring the project into compliance. This could mean:

· Tearing down non-compliant structures entirely.

· Rebuilding or modifying sections to meet safety and performance standards.

Both being expensive and time consuming.

3. Issues with Selling or Leasing the Property

· Mortgage and Insurance Issues

· Decreased Property Value

· Legal Disputes

4. Safety Hazards

One of the most critical risks of ignoring building regulations is compromising safety.

· Structural Failures

· Fire Hazards

· Health Risks

5. Costly Retrofitting

Fixing non-compliant work after construction is much more expensive than ensuring compliance during the initial build. Retrofitting may involve:

· Hiring additional specialists or contractors.

· Replacing materials or systems that don’t meet the required standards.

· Obtaining new approvals and certifications.

These costs can quickly escalate, especially if multiple aspects of the project are affected.

Overall

Approved documents provide clear and practical guidance, they ensure that buildings are safe, efficient, and fit for purpose while meeting the evolving demands of society.