New, more stringent regulations now mean that all projects where building regulations apply are required to have complete designs submitted for approval before construction commences.
Gone are the days when projects could advance with elements of the design marked as “contractor to finalise.” Although not an outright ban on design-and-build projects, this requirement poses new challenges that significantly impact the traditional approach to building design and construction.
That’s why it’s vital to get an experienced specialist subcontractor engaged as early in the project as possible to ensure every stage is delivered on time and within budget.
The Building Safety Act has ushered in a new era of accountability and oversight in the construction industry through the introduction of ‘gateways.’ These gateways serve as pivotal checkpoints at three major project stages: design/planning, construction, and completion.
Under the new regulations, projects must secure regulatory approval before progressing from one gateway to the next, effectively acting as ‘hard stops’ that compel contractors and developers to reassess and validate their compliance with the established safety and design guidelines.
The first gateway focuses on the design and planning stage. Here, regulators scrutinise the entirety of the project’s proposed design to ensure it meets all safety and quality criteria. Any oversight or error at this stage could result in an extensive review process, thereby delaying the project timeline right from the outset.
The second gateway occurs during the construction phase, where rigorous inspections and evaluations take place. The project must again obtain regulatory approval to proceed, ensuring that construction adheres precisely to the approved designs and safety protocols.
The third and final gateway is at the project’s completion, where it must pass another rigorous round of inspections and assessments. Only after meeting all regulatory criteria can a project be deemed complete and safe for occupancy.
But perhaps the most crucial implication of these gateways is what happens when there’s a need for substantial design changes during the construction phase. Such changes, far from being straightforward adjustments, now require the project to stop entirely for regulator re-approval.
This is not just a time-consuming exercise; it also exposes the project to additional financial risks. Cost overruns can easily escalate due to the delays in construction schedules, not to mention the administrative costs associated with re-securing regulatory approval.
At Eden Facades, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means we always advocate early involvement in the construction process. We know the early stages are critical when planning the detail of a project.
As specialist contractors, we bring to the table a wealth of technical knowledge and industry experience that can drastically improve project outcomes when deployed early.
The gateways in the Building Safety Act amplify the need for early involvement. The legislation’s rigorous requirements for planning, construction, and completion provide an ideal backdrop for contractors to employ their skills comprehensively.
From the first gateway of design and planning, our expertise helps in fulfilling designs that not only meet aesthetic and functional goals but are also highly compliant with safety and regulatory standards. By anticipating problems that could arise and addressing them upfront, we can substantially mitigate the risks of encountering ‘hard stops’ that would require the entire project to halt for regulatory reassessment.
In the construction phase, our early involvement is highly valued too. With a solid understanding of both the design and the regulatory landscape, we can swiftly address any issues that arise, preventing unnecessary delays and cost overruns.
Our ability to navigate the nuanced requirements of the Building Safety Act are really beneficial here. While many view the act as a regulatory hurdle, we see it as a structured framework within which we can work to guarantee the highest levels of safety and quality in our cladding.
Early collaboration with a reliable, risk-free subcontractor is no longer just a good strategy, it has become a necessity under the new regulatory environment. By integrating our insights into your projects from the off, you benefit from expertise and foresight that can mean the difference between a project that proceeds smoothly and one that hits costly and time-consuming roadblocks.
Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, says:
“The stakes can always be elevated by intricate designs, tight deadlines, and ever-changing regulatory frameworks, so trust is the bedrock for a successful construction project. At Eden Facades, we take pride in the fact that a considerable portion of our business – around 70% – is generated from enduring partnerships with clients who have placed their confidence in our capabilities.
“This statistic is not just a figure; it is an indicator of the mutual respect, reliability, and effectiveness that characterise our professional relationships. So, if you need that expertise and wish to avoid regulatory pitfalls, it’s best to get us engaged in your project at the very beginning.”
Discover the benefit of early engagement in your facade and cladding projects by contacting Eden Facades today to discuss how we can meet your bespoke requirements.
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