• You are here:
• Home >
• Planning & building control >
• Building control >
• Bulletins & updates

Bulletins & updates

Hips are gone!

The Government has today announced the suspension of Home Information Packs with immediate effect from 21 May 2010. Homes marketed for sale on or after 21 May 2010 will no longer require a HIP. However, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be retained, and sellers will still be required to commission - but won't need to have received - an EPC before marketing their property.

May 2010

Sitelines the official publication of Local Authority Building Control

Download Approved Documents, read about the latest technical updates and what is happening nationally and regionally within LABC.

Sitelines publication (This link will open in a new window)

December 2009

New consumer code for home builders

Active for purchasers of new homes on or after 1 April 2010

The Code clarifies the responsibilities and actions required by developers and warranty providers to improve service and complaint resolution to customers of new homes. It is the result of the Barker Review in 2004 and the Office of Fair Trading Study in 2008.

Philip Hammond, LABC's National Business Development Director, welcomes the new Code. "For years purchasers of new homes have been unclear about their rights and in some cases they have been unfairly treated. Local authorities have always been keen to improve house building quality and to ensure that those who purchase homes have their dreams fulfilled. This is why LABC offers the LABC New Home Warranty as a whole package alongside our building control service. There are many high quality builders and the vast majority of customers have a good experience. However, this new code will ensure that everyone has protection and can get clear information on their rights. We are very pleased to support this and will work hard with our LABC New Home Warranty team to promote this to customers."

Details of the enhancements to consumer protection are detailed on this website new homes consumer code (This link will open in a new window)

16 November 2009

Zurich looks set to exit new home warranty market

This week Zurich Building Guarantee has indicated its intention to leave the new homes building warranty market.

Paul Everall, LABC Chief Executive, comments on the news. "It has been a surprise to learn that Zurich is likely to wind up its Building Guarantee operation and it will be a shame to lose an old brand. However, it has been an extraordinarily tough business environment for the last 18 months and the new homes sector has been very badly affected."

He continues..."Our concern is to enable house builders and Zurich's customers to ensure that their current projects won't be threatened and that there is continuity in the industry. It has been a precarious year and developers don't need these extra pressures. Therefore, LABC New Home Warranty will, if required, honour the price of outstanding warranty quotations issued by Zurich Building Guarantee (subject to the necessary underwriting and technical assessments), and LABC can provide the building control using our network of 4,000 local authority surveyors in England and Wales. It is vital that house builders can find an alternative quickly with the minimum of fuss. LABC is ideally placed to do this, and working with LABC New Home Warranty, we can ensure the delivery of the whole package including HIPs, acoustic and air pressure testing."

Zurich customers wanting to contact LABC should email zurich email or contact the LABC New Home Warranty Sales team on 0845 054 0505.

27 August 2009

About LABC new home warranty

The LABC New Home Warranty, launched almost three years ago has proved itself to be a quality service offering specific competitive products for speculative residential housing, social housing and self build and has been created in partnership between LABC, the representative body for Local Authority Building Control, and MD Insurance Services Limited (MDIS) the company that administers the scheme which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). New Home Warranty has had phenomenal success and is recognised by all major Banks and Building Societies.

LABC new home warranty

This caters for speculative developers and builders covering conversions, new build and mixed use developments. The product recognises and rewards quality projects with competitive premiums and market-leading terms. Service and support is fast and seamless because of MDIS's experienced, dedicated customer service team.

LABC social housing warranty

A competitive tailored solution covering shared-ownership, rented or key worker accommodation projects. Quality is rewarded with the same advantages given to speculative developers. Cover can be provided for either a 10 or 12 year period.

LABC self build warranty

Designed specifically for individuals building their own homes - both new build and conversions - to provide peace of mind. Quality is rewarded through competitive premiums and excellent service based on MDIS's extensive experience of self build projects.

How to get a quotation

Either telephone 0845 054 0505, e-mail labc nhw enquiry or download an application form from LABC New Home Warranty (This link will open in a new window)

Approved Document G - Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency - effective from 1 October 2009

An electronic version of the document can be downloaded at Document G (This link will open in a new window)

The new document gives guidance on:

• Cold water supply
• Water efficiency
• Hot water supply and systems
• Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens and food preparation areas.

The above document supports the Building Regulations 2000 which has been amended by SI 2009 No. 1219 to reflect the changes.

Regulation 20E (which is part of the Building Regulations 2000) requires that where a dwelling has been newly built or created by conversion a notice relating to water efficiency must be given to the Building Control section of the Local Authority concerned on occupation or completion of that building.

To help you with this process an online calculator has been developed by WRC. To access this please visit Water calculator (This link will open in a new window) where you can then print off your calculations and submit them to the Building Control section for their approval.

LABC Latent Gold commercial buildings defects guarantee

LABC Latent Gold is a structural defects insurance for commercial buildings up to £15 million in value and by arrangement for buildings valued over £15 million. It is delivered by LABC via local authority building control departments in partnership with Oval Insurance Broking, with Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality (Allianz) as underwriters.

LABC Latent Gold provides a low cost way to avoid the high risks and legal complexities associated with collateral warranties.

Most commercial properties are covered--offices, hotels, restaurants, factories, warehouses, surgeries, schools, shops, sports stadiums and many more.

Developers, owners, tenants and other users/occupiers are all insured.

The combined cost of LABC Building Control and LABC Latent Gold will almost always be less than is obtainable from any other provider.

To find out more or obtain a quotation, please contact the LABC Latent Gold Team at:

LABC Latent Gold Enquiries
Oval Insurance Broking Limited

Tel: 0845 075 3530

Email: latent gold enquiry

Web: www.labclatentgold.co.uk (This link will open in a new window)

June 2009

Goodbye CORGI gas register - hello Gas Safe register

From 1 April 2009, Gas Safe Register replaces the CORGI Gas Registration scheme as the official gas safety body. So from 1 April, by law, only Gas Safe registered engineers should carry out work on gas appliances or installations in your home.

All Gas Safe registered engineers are listed on the following website Gas Safe Register (This link will open in a new window) or alternatively you can phone 0800 408 5500 to speak to an adviser.

All Gas Safe registered engineers have an ID card with their licence number and photograph. These details can be verified on the website or by phoning the above number.

The ID card will contain the following information:

Front The licence number The licence start date The licence expiry date The security hologram

Back Details of what work the engineer is qualified to carry out Proof the engineer's qualifications are up to date

When submitting applications for Building Regulations consent the plans should be endorsed as follows:

• Gas appliances to be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, work to be registered under a Government Approved Competent Person Scheme.
• Electrical work to be carried out to IEE Electrical Regulations 17th Edition. Works to be designed installed and tested to BS 7671. All electrical work to be carried out by a Part P registered electrician and to be registered under a Government Approved Part P Competent Person Scheme.

April 2009

Building control free CPD seminars for agents/architects/house builders

Tandridge building control has been hosting free lunchtime CPD seminars for agents/architects/house builders throughout 2009 which have proved very successful. Topics have included:

• Fire Sprinkler Systems
• LABC New Home Warranty (and associated services) and Noise UK (noise and vibration consultants)
• The Party Wall Act
• Radon and Cellar Tanking
• Air Tightness Testing
• Multi-Foils (Insulation)
• Waterproofing below Ground Level
• The Disability Discrimination Act and Modern Door Controls

If you would be interested in attending forthcoming events please see Agent & contractor seminars

October 2009

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - explained

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) needs to be commissioned by anyone selling their home before they can market it. LABC has written a short information sheet which you may find useful. (Click on the following external link to view the document) Energy Performance Certificates (This link will open in a new window)

Tandridge Building Control 19 May 2008

Planning re-roofing work?

In the past, re-roofing work has been exempt from Building Regulations if it has involved like-for-like replacement of tiles and no additional structural work. (An application was only needed if the new tiles were lighter or heavier.)

However, legislative changes that came into force in April 2006 mean that anyone doing re-roofing work, including replacement of flat roofs, has to apply for building regulations approval or alternatively the work must be carried out by a contractor registered under the National Federation of Roofing  Contractors competent persons scheme, in which case they can self-certify compliance with the building regulations.

What has changed?
The government is concerned about conservation of fuel and power and wants to ensure that when properties are re-roofed that insulation is adequate.

Are there any other issues to consider?
It is likely on the majority of re-roofing projects that insulation will need to be upgraded and as a result of this, it may also be necessary to incorporate increased cross-ventilation measures.

You should also be aware that whilst it is good to see the advances in roofing products on the market today, you should always check that the product you intend to use is not part of a total system which manufacturers won't guarantee unless installed to specific instructions. The last thing a building control officer wants to do is come along after the work has been done and tell you it is not satisfactory.

Where can I get more information?
Thermal elements are described in approved document L1B (domestic) of the Building Regulations and are viewable at Planning Portal - General Public Home (This link will open in a new window)

Building control are always happy to discuss individual situations before you submit an application and can be contacted on 01883 732872 or via email at building control email

June 2008

Return to top