Building Control: Key Webinar Takeaways

Summary

This article summarizes the key takeaways from a recent CPD webinar on navigating the new era of building control in the UK. It focuses on the evolving roles and responsibilities under the Building Safety Act (BSA), the renewed emphasis on competency, and the changing dynamics between building inspectors and construction professionals. The article urges professionals to stay informed and adapt to these significant changes.

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** Main Story**

Alright, let’s dive into the Building Safety Act (BSA) and its impact on the construction industry. Honestly, it’s like the biggest shake-up we’ve seen in ages, and it touches everything, from building control to how we think about responsibility. A recent CPD webinar really highlighted what’s changing, so I wanted to share some key takeaways.

First off, this whole area of building control, well it’s not just getting a facelift; it’s getting a full-on remodel.

The Return of the Building Inspector (with a Twist)

Remember ‘building inspectors’? They’re back, and this time they aren’t messing around. See, they’re not just dusting off an old job title. Now it’s a regulated profession. You can’t just wake up one morning and decide you’re a building inspector, that won’t fly anymore. You’ve got to pass competency exams. It’s a pretty big deal. Competency is key. This shift really puts the spotlight on having qualified people who can actually make sure buildings are safe. But here’s the kicker: building inspectors have to walk a fine line. On the one hand, they’re supposed to offer guidance. But on the other, they can’t step all over the designer’s role. It’s a delicate balance, right? Because, we don’t want to stifle innovation. We just want to make sure that everything meets the safety standards, obviously.

Compliance: It’s Not Just a Buzzword Anymore

Compliance? Yeah, that word’s been thrown around a lot, hasn’t it? Now, it’s not just some box you check off to appease someone higher up the food chain. The webinar I attended really drove this home: compliance is about demonstrating real competency. Think of it this way, previously a project may have been signed off because the person was ‘experienced’ but without any qualifications, this is now all changing! The industry’s moving to a model where everyone, and I mean everyone, from architects to the contractors, has to prove they’ve got the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviors (SKEB) to do their job. Honestly, it elevates competency from a nice-to-have to a legal requirement. Which I think, makes a lot of sense. For example, I was speaking with a client recently, they’d built a whole extension and when it came to selling the house it had not been signed off, and no building regulation checks had been carried out! That can be avoided through the correct training and compliance.

Principal Designers and Contractors: New Roles, New Expectations

Plus, let’s talk about principal designers (PDs) and principal contractors (PCs). Their roles are evolving too. PDs now have more responsibility for coordinating design work and making sure everything complies with building regs. It’s not just about drawing up plans anymore; it’s about being proactive, getting building control involved early, and documenting everything meticulously. No more ‘winging it’! Similarly, PCs are under a microscope when it comes to managing construction and ensuring compliance on-site. Remember that time a contractor tried to cut corners on a project? Yeah, those days are numbered. It is a good thing, don’t you think?

Enforcement: The BSR Means Business

And get this: the BSA gives the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) some serious teeth. They can issue stop notices, slap on penalties, and even prosecute people who don’t comply. The webinar emphasized that proactive compliance is key to avoiding all those headaches. I feel that that’s a very strong deterrent!

Staying Ahead: Don’t Get Left Behind

So, what’s the bottom line? The BSA is a game-changer. You can’t just ignore it and hope it goes away. You’ve got to stay informed, adapt to the changes, and make competency a priority. I suggest checking out resources like the full webinar recording; it offers a deeper dive into all of this and provides some practical advice for navigating this new world.

Also, don’t forget about those Building Regulations and Approved Documents. They’ve been updated, especially when it comes to fire safety (Part B), energy efficiency (Part L), accessibility (Part M), and sanitation (Part G). Knowing those updates inside and out is crucial for ensuring compliance, and for delivering buildings that are safe, sustainable, and accessible.

Honestly, the construction industry is a great one to be a part of, and the Building Safety Act is there to protect us all.