Revisions to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations SI. 365 of 2015 were published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) on 1st September 2015.
Some key points* from the information note:
‘Alternative Process’: The most recent amendment to the Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2015 provides owners of new single dwellings, on a single development unit, and domestic extensions with an alternative process: The key difference involves the facility to opt out of the requirement to obtain statutory certificates reliant on the services of a registered construction professional.
‘Opt Out Procedure’: “A homeowner who wishes to avail of this facility must sign a form of “Declaration of Intention to Opt Out of Statutory Certification” which may be obtained online via the BCMS (Building Control Management System) or from the local building control authority”
‘Fees’: Homeowners should be aware of the Sample Preliminary Inspection Plan which is published on the Department’s website that outlines the typical hourly service required from construction professionals. Fees charged by professionals may vary. (Note DECLG estimate a cost of €3,090 + VAT for Certification services that “opt-in” to statutory certification [SI.9], Link: here
‘Commencement Notice’: “the submission of a Commencement Notice allows the local authority to assess which projects should be subject to risk-based inspections as typically undertaken on at least 12-15% of validly commenced building units, in line with its statutory function of monitoring building activity in general within its geographic area . Inspection by local building control authorities remains a prospect for homeowners, irrespective of whether or not a homeowner opts out of the statutory certification provisions”
‘Reasonable Investment’: “Homeowners should weigh up carefully the implications of a decision to opt out of the statutory certification process. The cost associated with engaging the services of a registered construction professional for design, inspection and certification purposes is likely to be a key consideration. It is worth bearing in mind that a reasonable investment in the design, inspection and certification of works will pay dividends in terms of delivering a quality, compliant building”
‘Insurances’: “Homeowners who commission works should generally satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the insurances held by contractors or professionals they may wish to consider engaging: Often the level and scope of insurance cover held by other parties to a construction project will have a bearing on the willingness or otherwise of other industry practitioners to become involved”
‘Further Information’: Any queries in relation to this information leaflet or building control matters in general should be directed to the Architecture/Building Standards Section of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government by emailingbuildingstandards@environ.ie or by contacting your local building control authority.
Extract Reference: BregsForum 03.09.2015
