Building Regulations - Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Building Regulations

Overview: Richard caters for the full spectrum of Building Regulations Approval for commercial & residential buildings, including issues related to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Overview: Most building works require Building Regulations Approval. The drawings prepared provide basic construction information to ensure the building complies with all aspects of the Building Regulations Acts (Structural Stability, Fire, Ventilation, Drainage, Heating, & Lighting, Insulation, Disabled Access, Sound Control etc.). A fee is payable to the local authority for this service which is dependent upon the extent of the works proposed.

Applications: There are 3 main methods for achieving Building Regulations Approval:

Full Plans
Building Notice
Regularisation

Full Plans: This is the most common route. Full Plans submitted to a local authority and accepted are awarded a planning notice. Full Plans are required when borrowing money from a bank and are useful for getting accurate quotes from builders.

Building Notice: This is an uncommon method for application as you run the risk of finding that your work does not comply with the Buildings Regulations. Building Notice requires the submission of a site plan.

Regularisation: This method involves inspection after construction and will require appropriate drawings.

Drawings: The drawings will have basic setting out information and construction notes. A competent builder can build a house extension using these drawings.

Structures: A Structural Engineer may be required to prepare calculations for steel and timber structural support. (His fee is in addition to the Architects fee)

Disability Discrimination Act 1995: The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) requires that all service providers should have made reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their buildings to ensure disabled people can access the building.

Disability Access Audits: Richard Stratton carries out Disability Access Audits for large building complexes involving multiple entrances, immovable obstacles and restricted alteration options such as in a listed building.