03 | Building Regulations

The Building Control Regulations

The Building Control Regulations apply generally to new buildings and to existing buildings which undergo an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use.

The Building Control Act 2007 established Disability Access Certificates with significant financial and other sanctions for non-compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations.

A Disabled Access Certificate (DAC) is a certificate granted by a Building Control Authority which certifies compliance of the design of certain works such as new buildings (except dwelling houses), some extensions to, and some material alterations to buildings (except dwelling houses) with the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations. Since 2010, a DAC is generally required for works which require a Fire Safety Certificate.  Although a DAC is not required for some dwellings, they must still comply with the requirements of Part M, as it applies. A DAC is generally required for apartments, including the common areas of apartments.

The Building Control (Ammenment ) Regulations 2014 (BCAR) ensure that design and construction receive statutory certification from registered construction professionals and builders, that compliance documentation is lodges, that mandatory inspections are carried out during construction and validation and that certificates are registered.
On completion of the building or works, a certificate of compliance is jointly signed by the builder and the assigned certifier.