Building Regulations In UK

Building regulations in UK are national standards which lay importance on the fact that health, welfare, convenience and safety of people must be ensured in and around all types of structures. These regulatory measures recommend minimal standards in a variety of aspects, some of which are given below:

• Structural stability
• Damp proofing
• Fire safety
• Sound insulation
• Ramps, stairs and guards
• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Energy conservation
• Access to the building
• Purpose for which the structure is used
• Glazing
• Water efficiency
• Electrical safety
• Appliances that produce heat

The above mentioned regulations apply generally to new as well as existing structures, and also modified or extended buildings, irrespective of whether they are industrial, commercial or residential.

When a structure is to be constructed, the owner or group who is proposing to erect the building must submit building control regulation drawings to the local authority of Building Control Service. These drawing or plans must show all details pertinent to the proposed structure. The local authority should inspect the plans meticulously in order to make sure that they comply with the regulations. They may also consult other suitable authorities such as sewage and fire during the inspection process and issue a decision within a time period of five weeks from the date of submission.

If the drawings are in compliance with the standards, the owner of the project is provided a notice stating that they have been approved. However, the authority reserves the right to make amendments if they find any kind of non-compliance. In that case, they should issue a conditional approval specifying the modifications that are to be made.

The local authority can apply conditions only if they have been requested or consented to by the owner of the project. It is mandatory to make a consent or request in writing. In case the drawing plans are rejected entirely, the notice must state reasons for the rejection. A full approval notice stays valid for a period of three years starting from the day the plans have been deposited. At the termination of the term, the authority is to send a notice declaring invalidation of the approval that was issued, if the constructed work has not started.

Once the building work commences, the local authority carries out inspections and explains notification procedures that have to be followed at different phases. After the project has been completed successfully, the authority is to issue a completion certificate, signifying the structure that exists in compliance with all standards and regulations.

Building Regulations and Their Importance

Building regulations can be defined as construction standards which are to be used as a set of guides for preparing the design of new buildings and doing modifications on existing structures, both residential and commercial. These regulations were formulated for ensuring health and safety of people living or working in and around buildings, for planning the access and for determining the energy use by constructions. Every development project requires a detailed set of building control regulation drawings as well as specifications as evidences for the fact that the proposed structure would be constructed in compliance with the standards. Many a times, the drawings are also used by builders to make sure that a building work is progressing as it is supposed to. 

In the modern times, the legislation that governs the building regulations in UK has been evolving constantly and becoming increasingly complex. From basic domestic building projects to highly intricate development, all types of construction work are expected to follow the rigorous standards. There are, however, many reputed companies that offer efficient architectural services in accordance with the building regulations. One can easily hire any of these companies and be sure that the design of their proposed buildings would be fully compatible with the existing construction standards.

Once the building control regulation drawings have been prepared, an approved and certified building inspector or a local Building Control department would check the drawings for any violation of the current standards. If no such violation is found, the project would be approved. After granting approval, the authority would appoint an inspector who would visit the construction site at different stages while the work is in progress to make sure that everything is being carried out to a suitable standard. Site visits would also be made at the time of excavation as well as laying of the foundations, construction of sewers and drains and installation of a damp resistant course.

Finally, when the overall construction work is complete, the inspector would make a visit to the site once again and issue a final completion certificate. However, he also reserves the right to refuse issuing a completion certificate if he finds that the building violates one or more of the building regulations. Although it is possible for a structure to exist without the certificate, it would survive as an illegal construction. Any attempt to have a mortgage over the structure or sell it would be in vain.

Architectural Drawings – 2D and 3D CAD

Drawings have been the primary way of architects to convey their building ideas for a very long period of time. Even today, they are one of the most important tools of building workers for erecting all types of structures, be it small residential constructions or lofty commercial skyscrapers. With progress of time, however, the method of creating architectural drawings has changed significantly. Nowadays, a large number of professionals make use of computer aided design (CAD) software for fabricating floor plans, site plans, elevations, cross-sections, etc. Due to usage of CAD software, contemporary architectural diagrams have a great deal of accuracy as well as detailing.

The CAD software popularly used for drafting online architectural design drawing in UK can be divided into two categories – 2-dimensional CAD and 3-dimensional CAD:

2D CAD

2-dimensional or 2D CAD is the basic form of digital architectural drawings. The sheets are prepared with utilisation of the knowledge that the architect himself possess. The different methods involved in the process can be repetitive, superfluous and time-consuming. If somebody has been using 2D CAD for a long time, it may require them to overcome a certain amount of apathy. They would require to put in a lot of effort and coordination for achieving any feasible design. Due to the deficiency of a 3-dimensional effect, some extra software would also be needed. However, 2D CAD can be beneficial in some ways as well. The initial costs of drafting 2-dimensional diagrams are usually low. Moreover, the concepts of drafting are quite simple and therefore, easy to study.

3D CAD

3-dimensional CAD was created with one primary aim – to layer a highly interactive design of any proposed structure with informations of the real-world. It allows the architect to think in a more integrated manner about the design, and create a powerful picture, of the building that is to be constructed, within one digital model. Using a 3D CAD can prove to be beneficial in many different ways. First of all, it can eliminate any potential problem with the structure before the plan is implemented. Secondly, it enables inclusion of additional alterations even during progress of the work. Thirdly, drafting a 3D diagram does not require much time or effort at all and due to that, architects can think more deeply about the design instead of engaging in tedious tasks of fabricating delineations. Although integration of 2D CAD may be required in some cases, it does not generally manifest as a major requirement.

What are Blueprints and How Can You Read Them?

Generally speaking, blueprints are simply 2-dimensional sketches used in architecture to derive the basic idea of how a planned building will look like. They usually contain such vital information as materials required for construction, position of different internal and external features, and so on. They are prepared by architects for communicating those details to building workers. But besides the workers, it is also important for people hiring the architects to be able to read and understand blueprints so that any decision made pertaining to the construction is more informed and feasible.

There are mainly three different types of blueprints - plan, section and elevation. A plan gives a horizontal view of the planned construction from its top, which is 30 inches above the floor on a horizontal plane. A section provides cross-section view of the building, displaying how something is to be constructed. A typical elevation is a vertical view of the project from one side of it, from north, south, east or west.

Blueprints are usually prepared using the architectural or the engineering scale. The architectural scale consists of measurements in inches and feet. Engineering scale includes measurements having a scale ratio which is a multiple of 10, and may be either in metric or feet. Sometimes, a scale with British unit having metric conversions is also used, which is called dual-dimensioning.

In order to make a blueprint convey maximum amount of information to whoever reads it, most architects use an array of symbols for representing different parts of the construction and also those of its surroundings.

There are a number of ways by which one can learn how to read a blueprint correctly. The cheapest and easiest method is to watch videos related to understanding of blueprints. One may find hundreds of different videos discussing about the same topic in detail, without having to pay for anything. Videos are also available as DVDs that can be purchased from shops. Another method to learn about blueprints is by searching for tutorials and websites offering free online courses on them. Instructional books published by tool-manufacturing and hardware companies can also provide a vast amount of information, and are usually available in both hard and soft copies such as pdfs, epubs, etc. Another option is to enrol for blueprint-reading courses in community colleges or local architecture schools. However, classes are also available online, allowing one to learn from the convenience of home.

Although the increased preference of online architectural design drawing in UK has almost pushed handmade drawings into obscurity, there are still many architects who find blueprints more useful than CAD drawings.

Basic Tenets of Modern Residential Architectural Designing

In the modern times, architecture involves consolidation of old as well as new elements. From dwellings designed and constructed during the last century to those built today, the numerous variants of residential architectural design seen today augment and contribute to the exotic and varied characteristics which define the region the houses themselves reside in.

Besides structural qualities, vegetation and trees also play an important role in blending and softening different architectural styles to a picturesque whole. Modern and traditional, small and large, all elements seem to mingle perfectly when complemented by the natural exquisiteness of vegetation.

However, here are some of the basic tenets, which needs to be followed by modern architects: 

Importance of Site Assessment

The first major step towards designing a residential structure is to visit the site where it is to be constructed. The shape, size, topography of the site along with potential positive and negative effects of the area must be considered when assessing the lot. Site assessment aids the architect in developing a sound idea of the additions and subtractions pertaining to the site and its surrounding area, that can be utilised for augmenting the good and mitigating the adverse.

Regulations and Their Influence On the Design

Local building codes play an important role in deciding how a residential structure will look like and relate to its neighbouring properties. Some locations have comprehensive sets of standards and regulations dictating the limits on height, size and setback requisites. These regulations assure that different home sizes and styles can develop within such limitations which allow considerable amount of creativity without hampering the overall looks of neighbourhoods in the city.

Green Technology

Energy saving and eco-friendly technologies are perhaps the greatest advancement in the field of modern residential architectural designing over the previous decade. Contemporary houses are being developed with a keen focus on improvement of sustainability and functionality using such technologies. Nowadays, home buyers are more aware of the prevalent green technologies. As a result, they often tend to opt for products and components which offer environmental improvements and energy savings, especially when price differential is not large.

Final Say

While perfecting residential architectural design, one thing must also be kept in mind that it is ultimately the clients who drive the overall style of the home. They generally know which style will reflect their preferences the best, or if they have got inspired by some particular home they saw somewhere earlier. The main aim of a professionally skilled architect is to encompass the client’s input and design something feasible which complements and props their lifestyle.

How to Select an Architect?

It does not matter if you are after a bold and original home design or a modest and simple extension. What matters is that you will need the services of architect anyway. However, choosing a suitable one is a meticulous task, and also essential for ensuring success of the building project. The right person for the job will carefully discuss your requirements in detail, effectively change your ideas into something feasible and provide valuable advice about the options available within your budget.

Here are a few tips to choose an architect for designing building drawing plans in UK:

• For finding an architect in the first place, you can either consider personal recommendation, or look up on the internet. Architects Registration Board, the legal board that regulates architects in UK, features an online searchable register for architects.
• Choose more than one and invite them to provide you a free personal consultation. In this way, you will form an idea about their working methods and service charges. The designs and approaches of each may surprisingly vary a lot.
• Request for a portfolio from the one that you may consider for hire. Try to get feedbacks from his or her previous clients and if possible, contact them personally and ask if they were satisfied with the work. Check their records of preparing approvals for difficult and controversial schemes.
• Make sure that your architect draws up a contract for schedule of the construction works. This will enable you to appoint them as professional inspector, to frequent the site of construction and see if the works are as per as the required standards.
• It is important for you to confirm that the person responsible for planning your building has been involved in recent projects. If he or she has not taken up any work for a long time since his or her last one, many problems may tend to arise, such as underestimation of the construction costs, unfeasibly high builder’s quotes, etc.
• Obtain a written agreement for the fees and a strict timetable of due dates for the project on paper. Without a proper schedule, construction projects often tend to drift on for several months.
• If, in case, things do not seem to work out as planned and the issue cannot be resolved by cordial discussions, the Royal Institute of British architects can make arrangement for an arbiter who will examine the case in order to settle the matter.

Drawing Plans For Building Permits

Before visiting a planning department or jurisdiction’s housing for obtaining a building permit, it is essential to have a detailed plan demonstrating the scope and purpose of your project. Building drawing plans in UK play a great role in determining whether a project would be given a permit or not. Here are the steps followed by professional architects to draw plans for building permits:

• First, a logical starting point, like the northwest edge of a land parcel or the structure, is marked on the upper left corner of a graph paper. The drawing is correctly oriented so that it matches the structure in relation to its north edge. The outlines are then marked using a typical architect’s scale by using a ratio best suited for the proposed project.
  
• After that, an overhead plan of current lines of the property is created according to the scale. The scale is moved across the paper to take a note of, for instance, the necessity of adding any bump-outs like recesses or porches for outdoor condensers of air-conditioners. The trees around the property, patios, retaining walls and driveways are also drawn. Setbacks between property line and the proposed structure are labelled.
  
• The position of north is noted on the graph using an ‘N’ and an arrow. The address of the property is added in name of the closest cross street. The scale used is noted down along with the owner’s name and date.
  
• Details such as an outbuilding, deck, fence, shed or similar additional structure are meticulously sketched with relation to the length, depth and width of the proposed property. The same scale is maintained throughout and the height is noted with a label. Pertinent notes of the construction are also written, if required, after verifying any kind of existing restriction on the kind of structure that is being erected against the country or city building codes available online.
  
• Now, the perimeter of the new house is drawn and essential features of the property such as rooms, doors, windows, bathroom fixtures, counters, closets, kitchen appliances, closets, etc., are labelled as well. Location of the carbon dioxide and smoke detectors are noted.
  
• As per the requirements of the project, additional pages are sketched. Sometimes, foundation plans showing slab, strength of used concrete, and footings are also prepared.

In order to ensure that the drawing plan is according to the building codes and standards, most of the people in UK make sure that they hire a professional and reputed architect for the purpose. These people very well know that doing this is going to make their project feasible, and getting the building permit will also become possible without much hassle.

The Advantages of Computer Aided Designs

Whether it is a simple porch, a grand addition to any home or a cavernous conservatory, detailed and appropriate architectural drawings are important for the successful implementation of any construction project. They play an important role in transforming any building design into an expedient structure. These drawings also help a local council to decide whether the building project should receive a planning permit or not. In the modern times, rapid advancement of technology has led to a decrement in the popularity of the traditional practice of drawing plans and most architects are now favouring computer aided online architectural design drawing in UK.

Some of the major advantages of computer aided design (CAD) software are as follows:

• The plans created using a CAD software are more accurate and may be produced in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional formats, thus allowing to view the plan from multiple angles and perspectives. Drawing according to a scale is also easier as one just needs to decide on the units of calculation that are to be used and then draw the model at a scale of 1:1.
  
  
• Creating a draft of the proposed structure using CAD takes less time than traditional blueprinting because everything required for the planning are just a few clicks away. Also, any mistake can be rectified more quickly than in the case of traditional drawings.
  
  
• Working with CAD also solves the issue with availability of storage space for large number of architectural drawings in the case of traditional drafting. Everything can be safely in the computer, in a pen drive, in a cloud storage or even in a memory chip. Searching and sharing is also easier, even if there are thousands of plans to go through.
  
  
• For designing multiple blueprints with fairly similar features, all it requires is creation of a single template with all the common elements and then, it can be readily used as the foundation for the other blueprints as well.
  
  
• Nowadays, there are various software suites available, each made for fulfilling a specific task in the designing field or targeted to a particular group of professionals. One can either use one specific program or a consolidation of different programs to achieve the desired results. Thus, CAD software are highly adaptable to individual needs.

The use of CAD has increased the productivity of architects and made the construction of intricate and complicated structures possible. It has also eliminated the room for any mistake, besides making the process of architectural designing less time-consuming.

What Are the Different Kinds of Building Plans?

A building is an intricate composition of various mechanical systems, structural members and finishes. To transform the ideas of an architect into a building, a proper set of different building plans is necessary for builders. Organisations responsible for issuing building permits also need suitable plans, and therefore building drawing plans in UK are legal and practical requirements. The different types of building plans are as follows:

Floor & Foundation Plans

A typical floor plan consists of the building's overhead view with the upper floors and roof excluded. It displays the position of major elements of the construction such as the interior and exterior walls, staircase, windows, doors, major appliances and plumbing fixtures, names of rooms and their dimensions. A foundation plan is almost the same as a floor plan, except for the fact that it shows specifics of the building’s foundation.

Framing Plans

Framing plans also provide an aerial view of the construction, but exhibit details of structural members of buildings like trusses, roof rafters, floor and ceiling joists, headers and support beams. These kind of building plans are beneficial for builders to comprehend and design complicated structures of floors and roof.

Mechanical Plans

Just like framing and floor plans, mechanical plans are also drawn from an aerial viewpoint of the building. But in general, it shows the position and specs of the mechanical systems of the construction. A mechanical plan typically shows location of smoke detectors, relevant appliances, and other perpetual fixtures. Some mechanical plans may also depict location of plumbing, air conditioning and heating system, ductwork, electrical wiring, and gas lines.

Cross Sections and Elevations

Both elevations and cross sections provide side-on perspectives of the construction, as if someone is looking at the building while standing beside it. Elevations depict the exterior part of a building and offer details about the exterior finishes, windows, doors and roofing. Sometimes they can also encompass details pertaining to the slope of ground around the foundation. Cross sections present cutaway views, drawn to offer an interior view of the building. These plans help builders to understand the location of interior foundation and framing of the building, and also allow them to include upright structural members which are generally inconspicuous in aerial views.

Site Plan

A site plan provides aerial view of the whole site and encompasses information about utility services, sewers, septic systems, boundaries, dimensions, drainage systems, pavement, landscaping and elevation and grade alterations.

A Beginners Guide to Building Regulations

What are building regulations? 

The Building regulations are the minimum standards for construction, design & alterations to virtually every type of building. These are basically developed by the Government & approved by the Parliament. 

The Building Regulations even contain a list of requirements, which are designed to ensure the minimum standards for safety, health, energy efficiency, convenience, sustainability and more. These regulations set the national standards for all kinds of building work. They cover all aspects of a construction. They even ensure that people with disabilities are provided with adequate facilities in specific kinds of building.

Building regulations are different from planning permission 

The Building regulations usually look in the detail at the materials used and the construction for building works unlike the Planning Permission that's used for guiding the way the places are developed, appearance of the buildings, impact of environment, use of building and highway access. 

Difference between building regulations drawings and planning drawings 

Building control regulation drawings are much more detailed in comparison to the planning drawings because of the level of information needed for explaining how things are generally constructed. This may make them a lot more hard to understand if you're are not quite acquainted to reading drawings. Building regulation plans must include high level of detail and should have detailed construction notes for explaining the proposed construction procedures of the project. This extra bit of detail may make it easy to price the job more precisely so more exact estimates may be obtained from building regulation plans. 

Types of building work that requires building regulations approval

All kinds of building work need approval. Examples of works, which need approval include: 

• Constructing a new home
• Extension, alteration or erection of a building 
• Alterations of internal structures 
• Installing a WC and cavity wall insulation 
• Change of buildings use and more 

Can a home be extended without building regulations? 

There are some kinds of small extensions, which are exempt from the building regulations. They include the conservatories, yards, porches and carports that have at least two open sides. But there are a few conditions, which still apply.  

How to get building regulations approval? 

Mainly, there are two ways of obtaining building regulations approval-a building notice or a full plans application.