The competent approach

Compliance with the Building Regulations has been patchy at best. However, it is a legal requirement and building owners recognise they have a responsibility in this area and are increasingly looking to employ contractors able to ensure building works comply.

The simplest way for a contractor to meet Building Regulations requirements is to become a member of a Competent  Persons Scheme (CPS). These were introduced by the Government to allow individuals and enterprises to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations as an alternative to submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector.

The principles of self-certification are based on giving people, who are competent in their field the ability, to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations without the need to submit a building notice and thus incurring local authority inspections or fees.

Moving towards self-certification will significantly improve compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, reduce costs for firms joining recognised schemes, and promote training and competence within the industry. It should also help tackle the problem of 'cowboy builders', and assist local authorities with enforcement of the Building Regulations.

B&ES operates its own scheme, which can be accessed from here.