are building regs a guide or must be followed?

[TheOriginalTableLeg]

Having an extension built, however there appears to a number of things detailed in the building regs drawings that have not been carried out. Given that the building inspector cant be on site for the entire build is it trust that the work has been carried out in accordance with building regs?
As an example, reg's say thermabate closers on reveals and window surround yet builder has not fitted anything. Just boarded upto cavity.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes you're right, the Inspector cannot realistically inspect everything there needs to be an element of trust, your builder is either unscrupulous or rubbish or both if he's leaving such fundamental things out. He's also ripping you off. What else has not done?

Important bit: when he was appointed did you talk about Building Regs and was appointed on the basis that his work would comply with the Regs?

 

[theoldun]

After a period of time you will get condensation and mould growth up your reveals, plus your builder is saving himself labour and material approx £5.50 per metre run by not fitting thermobate or similar.
Providing you are a reasonable client, would suggest you give his nuts a gentle squeeze, and politely voice your concerns.
oldun

 

[TheOriginalTableLeg]

Many thanks to the both of you for the responses.

I have highlighted to the builder a number of issues that need to be resolved, now waiting on a response.

Important bit: when he was appointed did you talk about Building Regs and was appointed on the basis that his work would comply with the Regs?

Im not sure how to answer this, except to say that the building regs drawings were completed by 'his' architect.

 

[^woody^]

As an example, reg's say thermabate closers on reveals and window surround yet builder has not fitted anything. Just boarded upto cavity.

The building regs don't say that nor do they specify anything.

I don't even think that the approved docs will specify a proprietary product like thermabate.

Basically, the b/regs describe a requirement, and it is up to the applicant as to how he meets the requirement, and the inspector to agree that the requirements are met.

As for reveals, aerated blocks do not require insulation at the reveals, otherwise insulated DPC or expanded foam can meet the b/regs requirement

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

As for reveals, aerated blocks do not require insulation at the reveals, otherwise insulated DPC or expanded foam can meet the b/regs requirement

LA's in this neck of the woods haven't accepted insulated dpc's for about 8 years.

 

[^woody^]

Why not, they do exactly the same thing as thermabate, and meet the b/regs requirement. There are no problems with it around here

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Too many duff installations, I hate them, for the same reason.

 

[DevilDamo]

The building regs don't say that nor do they specify anything.

I think the OP was referring to his BR drawings and not the actual BR's/AD's.