What the client needs to arrange
The dutyholder rules distinguish domestic clients from clients commissioning work as part of a business. Work on your own or a family member's home can fall within the domestic category; a landlord's business project should not automatically be treated in the same way. Domestic arrangements transfer certain client duties to other dutyholders, but still require the homeowner's cooperation and provision of relevant information. [1] [2]
Begin by identifying who is designing, who is building and who controls each stage. Do not leave this implicit simply because the builder recommended the designer or offered to submit the application. Newham's guidance explains the roles and the declarations required before final certification. [3]
What the designer and builder each do
The design team should provide information that allows compliant work to be carried out and coordinate related design decisions. The contractor needs to build in accordance with the applicable requirements, cooperate with others and deal with problems rather than conceal them. Where principal dutyholders are needed, their coordination role sits alongside the duties of individual designers and contractors. [1]
A practical way to manage the interface is to record who resolves each technical issue. For example, ask who will approve an alternative insulation product, coordinate a new opening with the engineer, and check that an altered ventilation layout still matches the design. Keep the answer with the relevant revision rather than relying on a verbal instruction.
What building control does not do
Building control inspections are not continuous site supervision. Richmond explains that its inspections assess compliance rather than provide a clerk-of-works service. An inspector's visit is therefore not a replacement for the builder's quality checks or for any separately appointed construction supervision. [4]
Plan approval also needs to be distinguished from approval of the finished work. The completed project must be inspected and the outstanding completion information supplied before the relevant certificate can be issued. [5] [6]
Put responsibilities into the project record
- Confirm the client category and named dutyholders.
- Agree who submits information and books inspections.
- Record design changes and who assessed them.
- Collect test results and installation certificates as the work proceeds.
- Arrange the required completion declarations instead of leaving them until a sale. [7] [8]
The regulations establish responsibilities; a contract should make the practical allocation clear rather than suggest that appointing building control removes anyone's duties. [1]