Find out more about UK building regulations and what they mean for you.
Part A: Structure
Structural integrity is a fundamental of architecture. Buildings must be designed and constructed to be structurally sound and to protect the stability of adjacent and surrounding buildings.
Part B: Fire safety
Safeguarding against potential hazards is crucial in the architectural planning process. Ensuring that buildings provide a safe means of escape in the event of a fire, as well as being designed in such a way as to protect the building – both internally and externally – and surrounding structures in the event of a fire is essential.
Part C: Resistance to contaminants & moisture
To guarantee a building is fit for use, actions should be taken not only to eliminate any existing mould inside the building, but also to protect the property from future contamination or damage.
Part D: Toxic substances
Insulating material in the walls of building can produce toxic fumes – and preventative measures should be taken to protect occupants from accidental inhalation.
Part E: Resistance to sound
The doors and walls that separate two residential properties should meet the minimum performance standard for sound insulation – with tests being completed by a registered UKAS organisation.
Part F: Ventilation
Buildings are required to satisfy ventilation and air quality standards, in order to guarantee a sufficient standard of living for the property’s inhabitants.
Part G: Sanitation, hygiene & water efficiency
To meet sanitation requirements, properties must include adequate sanitation facilities, as well as either a bath or shower with hot water access and unvented storage systems for the hot water.
Part H: Drainage & water disposal
Systems must be in place to transport water used for the washing, cooking, toilet, bath or shower to a sewer, settlement tank or cesspool – and access should also be available to where this water is collected. The building must also provide systems for general waste disposal and carrying rainwater away from the roof.
Part J: Combustion appliances & fuel storage systems
In line with regulations, properties should have a suitable air supply for combustion, and to guarantee the efficiency of a chimney or flue pipe. Appliances within the property should discharge combustion emissions outside, and any related fire hazards should be actively addressed.
Part K: Protection from falling
As part of ensuring the structural integrity of the building, stairways, ramps and ladders should meet the minimum safety standards to protect inhabitants from falls, collisions and impacts.
Part L: Conservation of fuel and power
Properties should be built with an attention to fuel and power conservation – guaranteeing maximum efficiency across lighting and heating, as well as considering the insulation values of materials used.
Part M: Access to & use of buildings
Provisions should be made to ensure complete access to and within the building, including providing adequate access and toilet facilities for disabled people.
Part P: Electrical safety
Safety should be a primary concern throughout the design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical fittings, and information should be available to anyone using or altering these installations in order to prevent fire and injury.
For further information on UK building regulations, or for specialist support on an architectural project, contact the expert development consultants at Unit One Architects.