What new build regulations are housing developers required to meet?

As a housebuilder or homeowner in the UK, it’s imperative to stay up to date with any new building regulations and standards. This is to make sure that your property is energy efficient, accessible, and safe for habitation, especially if it is a new build. With updates covering these areas introduced by the UK over the last year, staying informed has never been so crucial.

Let’s take a look at some of the key regulations to stay on top of and why these are so important.

Energy efficiency

One of the largest changes to building regulations is that all new build houses in the UK must meet a minimum energy-efficiency standard. Essentially, this means homes have to be designed to reduce the carbon emissions produced and energy wasted.

This has had a significant impact on the construction industry, forcing developers to utilise new technologies and materials so that they can meet these standards. For example, higher-quality insulation is being added to walls and roof spaces. Glazing products are also being used to create greater airtightness, which altogether reduces heat loss in the property.

With new build homes, developers are including brand-new appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings. These are great for saving energy, reducing energy bills, and are much less likely to need replacing. Some housebuilders are even installing photovoltaic panels onto the roofs of their homes in order to generate electricity from the sun – which is a renewable source of energy.

Accessibility

The government has created a plan to make sure new build homes are made more accessible to give people the security and dignity they deserve in their own home. This means that all new build homes need to be designed with accessibility in mind. To meet these regulations, new builds now feature level thresholds, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms.

With these inclusive features, disabled individuals are capable of living independently and with greater comfort.

Fire safety

The UK has seen changes in fire safety regulations in residential buildings. These affect the construction and design of new builds and the renovation of existing properties. Such rules include sprinkler systems and the addition of cladding materials, which must adhere to rigorous safety standards.

Additional fire safety guidance will be coming into effect at the start of October this year to improve fire safety in all buildings. This includes increased cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons (RPs) and requirements relating to the recording and sharing of fire safety information.

The hopes from this are that it will create a continual record throughout each property’s lifespan so authorities can take action against those who don’t comply. It also provides residents with comprehensive information about the fire safety of their home or building.

Electric charging points

Since 2022, all new build homes and buildings are required to have electric vehicle charging points or at least the preparatory work to install them in the future. These regulations mean that any development with car parking must provide access to a charging point.

This is another attempt to help reduce carbon emissions and encourage more people to invest in an electric vehicle.