What are Building Regulations and the Competent Person Scheme?
Building regulations and the Competent Person Scheme can be tricky topics for those who don’t know what they are, but they are extremely important if you are having your home renovated, not just your roof.
There are many problems that can occur if Building Regulations are not met, from issues with selling your home to unlimited fines.
In this blog, we will provide you with information on Building Regulations, British Standards, the NFRC and NFRC CPS.
As well as tips on how to avoid rogue traders who will not meet these standards.
Building Regulations Introduction
Building regulations are of extreme importance when you are getting your re-roof, they should be inspected by either a government body or a private sector approved inspector. Unless the installers are registered with the Competent Person Scheme.
This isn’t only applied to roofing, but any renovation work within your home, such as new bathroom installations, boiler installations or replacements, etc.
What could happen if you don’t comply with building regulations?
If the work is not legal or seen as faulty, you could face prosecution, unlimited fines and your local authority could force you to make it right at your own expense. If you would like to sell your property, you will have to provide certificates of compliance. Depending on the buyer, you could be forced to get it certified by the council, they could make you lower the price of your property to afford insurance that would cover the uncertified part of the home or to lower it more in case there will be issues with said part of the home, or they could refuse to purchase the property.
And, of course, the work might not be safe, which could cause injury or death.
“The Building Regulations are designed to ensure new buildings meet health, safety, welfare, convenience and sustainability standards.” find out more about what work requires certification on the government website.
What parts of the roof will need to be certified?
Anything that affects the structure, like replacing the timber or installing a different type of tile.
Materials, cavity barriers, and stopping measures must comply with fire safety.
The roof must protect from weather and water damage, not letting in moisture.
Roofs, especially loft conversions, must have appropriate ventilation to stop moisture and mold.
Insulation is required if more than 25% of your roof is getting replaced, ensuring to conserve energy and fuel.
Want to read about building regulations from the point of view of a roofer? Read more on the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ Competent Person Scheme website.
British Standards and how do they differ from building regulations?
British standards are not mandatory, but are very important. These are the ‘how to dos’ of the roofing industry and the way surveyors and insurers check to make sure that your home is compliant with building regulations.
These are instructions to keep installation, safety and performance consistent. By following these, contractors can ensure that they are working with building regulations.
BS-5534 is one of the examples of British Standards. It follows guidance for slating and tiling. This includes new-build pitched roofs using slates, tiles, shingles and shakes. It also covers normal re-roofing work and repairs.
The NFRC
What is the NFRC? NFRC stands for National Federation of Roofing Contractors, and they play a part in implementing Building Regulations and British Standards.
Contractors go through a rigorous vetting procedure, making sure that they stay to regulations and standards expected from them. This is what makes them available accreditation for roofers, thanks to the trust it provides to customers.
NFRC members go through re-inspections every 3 years, ensuring that the quality of work does not take a dive after passing the vetting period. Although, they can be inspected sooner if a company has been reported for not following building regulations.
NFRC Competent Person Scheme
NFRC’s UKAS-approved Competent Person Scheme (NFRC CPS) is the only competent person scheme for the roofing sector in England and Wales. This certification allows us to self-certify our roofing projects, ensuring they meet all current building regulations and standards.
This is what the government means by installers registered with the competent person scheme, meaning that we are able to self certify work, inspect it and reassure you as the customer that your roof will be safe.
Some roofing companies, like ourselves, will handle all the necessary notifications and paperwork, making the entire process seamless for you. Our team handles the administrative burden of compliance for you, so you can rest easy knowing that your roofing project meets all necessary regulations.
How would you use this information as a homeowner?
One tip is to, before you hire a contractor, ask them about Building Regulations and British Standards. It’s best that they can provide you with this information, as a contractor who is unaware of these regulations will not be able to provide you with work that meets health, safety, welfare, convenience and sustainability standards.
Accreditations are of great importance too, some to definitely look out for are NFRC, NFRC CPS and The Safe Contractor Scheme. However, these are just signs, it is best to look for a company with many trusted accreditations, as well as their reviews, interactions with customers, or even requesting to see their active insurance policies (such as public liability insurance) and verifiable references. Even small details such as using AI-enhanced or generated images could be signs of a rogue roofer, as you won’t know what is real or is fake.
You can never be too safe, your roof is what keeps not only your home, but yourself safe. If a contractor refuses to provide you with any of the documentation or information mentioned above, it is best to avoid them.
