Over the last few years, the Government have introduced a wide range of building standards and regulations that builders have to adhere to with planning and building new properties. For homeowners and those looking to purchase a new build property, this ensures that their home is safer, environmentally friendly and structurally sound.

Local Authority Building Control

The regulations that developers are administered by the Local Authority Building Control department, otherwise known as LABC, or a private company acting as an improved inspector. The LABC can ensure that new build applications follow the correct guidelines and that they are, once built, fully surveyed. Developers are expected to follow regulations that relate to toxicity, fuel, structure, contamination and damp, glazing, ventilation, safety and sound.

Energy efficiency

With the increasing risk and understanding of global warming, developers are expected to make new builds as energy efficient as possible. This will include installing sufficient insulation, reducing heat loss, installing energy efficient heating systems, improving the thermal efficiency of the walls, windows and roof and in some cases, installing solar panels.

Property usability

Developers are also expected to meet specific regulations surrounding the usability of a property, ensuring that access is appropriate as well as ensuring that doorways, ceilings, lower light switches and sockets fitted higher up the walls. Staircases must also be wider and they must also install a toilet on the ground floor.

BBA

The BBA supports the construction industry to ensure that all products supplied to the industry meet strict standards. This encourages the safe building and construction of new builds as well as reassuring developers and homeowners that the products used within the property is safe and meets the desired standards.

Quality materials

Regardless of how quick new build properties are built these days, they still have to ensure that the materials used are fit for purpose. To add to this, they are also expected to last for a specific length of time, guaranteeing the structural strength and safety of the property.

Metrotile’s lightweight roofing is often the roofing material of choice for new builds due to its energy efficient properties, and the many certifications and rigorous testing that each tile withstands. For more information on our lightweight roof tiles, call our team on 01249 658 514 or fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you.