So it looks like it’s definitely happening. Still on for March 1st this year.

Here’s a summary of the new regulations and certificates:

1. The Building Commencement Notice

Very similar to what we already have; main difference is that it includes a schedule of documents. Remember that the Local Authority will not be providing a ‘plan checking’ service as in the UK.

Completed by: Building Owner.

2. The Design Certificate – Form of Certificate (Design)

This is the certificate completed by the person who designed the building certifies that the ‘plans, calculations, specifications, ancillary certificates and particulars
included in the schedule to the Commencement Notice’ comply with the Building Regulations. Such people can only be those named on a register maintained pursuant to Part 3 or Part 5 of the Building Control Act 2007 or Section 7 of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Charter Amendment) Act 1969.

Completed by: Designer

3. NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNED CERTIFIER (Notice of Assignment of Person to Inspect and Certify Works)

This is where the Building Owner assigns a Assigned Certifier who will: “inspect the building or works and to coordinate the inspection work undertaken by others, and to certify the works for compliance with the requirements of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations”. These inspections are to be in accordance with the new ‘Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works’. Only same people as above are able to undertake this.

Completed by: Building Owner.

4. UNDERTAKING BY ASSIGNED CERTIFIER – Form of Certificate of Compliance

The certificate saying that the Assigned Certifier has inspected in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works’ and that effectively the building complies with the Building Regulations.

Completed by Assigned Certifier

5. NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDER

Notice by Building Owner assigning a specific person as ‘Builder of the building or works’

Completed by: Building Owner

6. UNDERTAKING BY BUILDER – FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

Certificate by Builder saying that he has built in accordance with the particulars at 2. which would therefore be in accordance with the Building Regulations.

Completed by: Builder.

Now this has to be signed by ‘a Principal or Director of a building company only’. This is where it gets interesting for self-builders; you’re going to get a lot of individuals saying ‘I am a building company’.

There are then similar certificates for 7 day notices.

7. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ON COMPLETION

The certificate signed by Builder & Assigned Certifier that essentially “the building or works is in compliance with the requirements of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations”

Completed by: Builder & Assigned Certifier

Bear in mind that this is a very short summary; this information cannot be relied on and each case should be taken on its own merits – ensure legal advice is obtained at all times. e & o e. If you think I’ve got anything wrong then let me know.