Compliance with building regulations in England and Wales

Abstract

Purpose This paper is based on a research project sponsored by the DTI, with contributions from construction industry partners. The principal objective of the research was to generate data (based on a sample of new‐build housing schemes) about the levels of compliance with Building Regulations and standards typically achieved in England and Wales. Design /methodology/approach The field research consisted of a triangulation of three research methods. A series of observations of 11 speculative housing projects (in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire) during construction. A questionnaire survey of occupants of recently completed speculatively built houses. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in eight housing developments completed 9‐15 months previously. Semi‐structured interviews with six building control inspectors, both local authority and approved inspectors. Findings The general conclusions are that levels of compliance were not always sufficient, though there was no evidence of systematic and purposeful non‐compliance with building regulations. Faults were largely due to lack of skills and knowledge of the required standards on the part of the operatives, and shortcomings in site management and toleration of sub‐standard workmanship. Research limitations/implications The surveys were limited to projects by national or regional scale housing developers on mainly medium‐large size house developments that included semi‐detached, detached and townhouses. Practical implications The recommendations point to the need for more initial and continuing training of tradesmen, both in trade skills and knowledge of the provisions of building regulations, and more rigorous site management procedures adopted, particularly when pressure for completion is at its greatest. Originality/value The value of the paper is linked to the originality of the research; prior to it, reliable evidence of the scale and extent of non‐compliance with Building Regulations in the UK was not recorded in any publicly available source.