Building control and Robust Details
The Building Regulations require building control authorities to impose pre-completion testing from the outset unless a Robust Details Certificate (Purchase Statement) is provided to them.
There are 3 key requirements for the correct use of the RD scheme:
- Plots must be correctly registered
- The registration must be notified to the relevant Building Control Body in a timely fashion (normally pre-commencement)
- Correct construction fully in accordance with the RD Handbook
Building control authorities need to be satisfied that the building work is constructed in compliance with the relevant Robust Detail specification (s). If it is not, then they can impose pre-completion testing or other action to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.
RDL carries out testing and inspection on a sample of Robust Detail structures in dwellings under construction. This is done primarily to measure RDL's success in meeting its quality policy compliance targets. Occasionally, this monitoring identifies significant deviations from the specification and/or a failure to meet the minimum performance standards set out in Approved Document E. On these occasions, RDL informs the relevant building control authority (and builder) so that it can address the matter with the builder to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.
