What Is The Hullaballoo Surrounding The Part O Of The Building Regulations?

By Author: Garry Stacks
Total Articles: 222
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It is more than a year than the Part O of the Building Regulation 2010 came into existence. It came into force on 15th June 2022. The aim of this regulation is to decrease the problems of overheating in newly constructed buildings. The government as an interim measure executed this step because the Future Homes Standard rules will be applicable by 2025. Before that the government has to prepare the general public about the same. No government wants a hue and cry once something is implemented, especially in the construction sector.
 
What is this Part O? And How Does it Impact the Architectural Design of Any Construction Work?
Since June 2022, it has become mandatory for residential construction works to be subjected to a building notice or a complete planning application. To ensure that this fully complied by the construction companies, the following amendments have been implemented:
 

Changes can be made to the extent of open areas of the windows
Mechanical ventilation systems have to be installed
Changes has to be made with regard to the window size
For ...
... cross ventilation, there has to be changes made to the layout of the house
Extern shutters or overhangs can be installed to ensure external shading
And solar control glass will be installed in order to reduce the impact of solar energy

 
These building regulations Berkshire might seem easy to understand but in paper. When it comes to application, there are many factors, which can influence the successful implementation of the guidelines.
 
For example: if changes are made to the windows as directed, there can internal noise levels, which can go up and above the accepted guidelines. This in turn can affect the health and overall wellbeing of the resident in the building. This is more so in case of properties that are near to the main road. Hence a solution has to be thought of so that the overheating of the newly constructed building goes down and there is proper cooling all around.
 
What are the Implications for Building Regulations Berkshire?
While there is no need to demonstrate any compliance with the building regulations Berkshire as part of the planning application process if you consider the extent to which the design change can impact things but it is wise to consider the Part O aspect right at the beginning when the planning process is still underway. This way a lost of hassle and inconveniences can be overlooked.
 
In case, you have not considered the changes as part of the planning application, it is important that you submit a non-material amendment application. If the changes are severe and more prominent then the non-material amendment application is not suitable. Then you have to submit the Section 73 application. At the same time, you have to take into account the new policy considerations. Don’t forget that all of these can have a direct impact on the deadline of the project. So, be prepared for delays and additional expenses. Keep in mind that the steps under Part O are here to stay and the residents are going to benefit a long from this in the long run, inspite of the initial hiccups.
 
Importance of Coordinating Everything with the Expert Professionals
By now you must have realised why we stress so much on coordinating everything with the expert professionals? Most of us are not at all aware about these building regulations Berkshire. As a result, we are in for a surprise. To make sure that this kind of surprises is less and you are well aware of all the existing rules and regulations, you should get in touch with a reliable architectural firm at the earliest. They are the ones who deal in these matters and have in-depth knowledge of the same. Whatever queries and confusions you have, you can lay them bare in front of the experts. Let them answer all your questions and clarify all your doubts one by one right at the start.
 
Summing it Up:
Ask your friends and colleagues if they can recommend a good architectural design firm? Take the contact details and call them up and fix a face-to-face meeting with them. Working with well-established experts would bring about a lot of difference. There will be no ambiguity or sense of confusion. These experts are aware of all the existing and upcoming building regulations Berkshire. They can use their expertise to explain the matter and will guide you accordingly.
 
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the experts and find out all the details about existing and upcoming building regulations Berkshire right away. Accordingly, you can decide on the construction design, the deadline and the cost involved. We recommend that no matter how good the planning is, you should have a flexible budget so that in case of any development you are prepared to shell out the extra money. You don’t have to worry and stress about where to arrange the extra money! What do you think? Let us know about your thoughts in the comments section. We would love to hear from you all.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Garry Stacks who has written a number of articles on Building Regulations Berkshire and provides fruitful information.