APHC Certification Ltd., a leading competent person scheme operator, is reporting a significant increase in the number of requests for replacement Building Regulations Compliance Certificates from solicitors dealing with property purchases.
Competent person schemes are generally the most cost efficient way to allow tradespeople to self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations when compared to the alternatives of submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector.
Although it is a legal requirement to hold relevant Building Regulations Compliance Certificates, previous research by APHC has indicated that the enforcement of Building Regulations within the plumbing and heating sector is low. However, over the last three months APHC Certification has noted a significant increase in the number of requests from solicitors requesting replacement Building Regulations Compliance Certificates.
APHC Certification’s Chief Executive, John Thompson, commented: “Notably over the last three months, APHC Certification has seen a marked increase for replacement certificates with requests coming in on a daily basis from solicitors, many of which are for bathroom installations and unvented hot water systems.
“These findings are encouraging as it is a sure sign that these records are being requested to provide legal indication that the seller of the property underwent the appropriate consents and approvals in order to meet the requirements under Building Regulations.
“Homeowners should always ensure that they are in possession of the relevant certificates, as if they’re not it can delay the sale of a property as it will show up when solicitors carry out their land searches and result in additional costs in gaining retrospective consent. Plus, if the work is found to be faulty the Local Authority could insist that the property owner puts it right at their own expense.
“I would strongly urge all plumbing and heating installers to ensure they are complying with Building Regulations to help safeguard the public against substandard work and to protect their businesses from being prosecuted and fined.”
