Building regulations cover all new builds in the UK. Each new build must adhere to the regulations for it to be deemed safe to use. They cover numerous health and safety issues and requirements.
If a new build property did not meet current building regulations, a completion certificate would not be granted on it. This means the property could not be put up for sale until such time as the contraventions to the regulations were dealt with.
The regulations do not merely cover new build properties, though. They also cover work done to existing properties, such as extensions and renovations. These works should also be done in accordance with the existing regulations, to ensure they are of the highest standards and pose no danger to those using the property.
Who is responsible for complying with the regulations?
In the case of a property that is being built from scratch, the owner of the land and the person (or company) dealing with the build has responsibility. So, in the case of a homebuilder developing a plot of eight properties, for example, that homebuilder has responsibility for ensuring they comply with all the requirements.
In the case of an existing property owner looking to build an extension on their property, the builders they select to do the work will be responsible for making sure their work meets the required standards.
If you are considering purchasing a new build, you should be able to confirm that the property meets all the building regulations and that the completion certificate has been issued. This will be required for a building society or bank to agree to lend you the money to buy the property.
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