Architect’s Overview of Regulations for a Dwelling

by bregs blog admin team

The following opinion piece was submitted on 13th May 2014 by Zeno Winkens architect MRIAI of Winkens Architecture, Wexford www.winkens.ie.

Blog comment: The extraordinary “blizzard of red tape” that applies to even a once-off house is simply illustrated in this informative and useful summary document. At last count there were over 91 Statutory Instruments that currently affect buildings- an extraordinary number that add to complexity and cost of procuring projects in the state.

In contrast to the new building regulations in Ireland, countries like the UK (which have an effective independent inspection system for buildings) are currently trying to simplify and streamline the statutory permissions process, to reduce cost, time, generate additional jobs and also increase international competitiveness. 

Opinion Piece: architect’s overview of Regulations for a Dwelling

Since the 1st of March a new order is in place for most construction projects. As an architect who can be an assigned certifier as one of the 3 chosen professional groups I found it difficult to find a comprehensive guide outlining the new regulation in context of the workflow of a typical Dwelling. Information / guidance is still conflicting, inconsistent and lacking for the consumer (building owner) and professional alike.  That’s why I did the Overview of regulations for an average dwelling myself. Link to pdf here:

http://www.winkens.ie/overview dwelling .pdf

Design certifier and assigned certifier can be the same person and must be either a registered architect, registered engineer or registered building surveyor. The working relationship between assigned certifier and builder is increasingly becoming important for a smooth build. Gathering ancillary certificates from all trades is very important for the Certificate of compliance.

But one must not forget there is a lot more to Building a House than following regulations and filling out forms and I am afraid that with all this new red tape, good design will be lost.

After all anybody can still submit a planning application and get permission. The proposed building should be in accordance with the building regulations, but permission may be given to non-compliant designs. Come construction time and submitting a commencement notice, that’s when the client will need to employ a design certifier to certify that the design is up to regulations,(on paper) and then an assigned certifier that must ensure that the building is constructed in accordance with the building regulations and the planning permission.

I can see problems that permitted buildings applied for by non professionals may be not certifiable without revisions that may need a further planning application.

Unfortunately this problem was not addressed at all with S.I.9.

.Jpeg of Overview of Regulations for a Dwelling here