Regulatory Violations
Unlike other professions in the UK, there are few regulations that restrict who can be a builder. The “ease of entry” into the building profession means that there is a diverse range of experience and expertise among builders, who advertise their services on the market. Surprisingly enough, there is no degree required, nor is there a requirement to register oneself on a governmental register to be a builder. For all intents and purposes, anyone can declare himself to be an expert builder and enter into a £300,000 contract for a complex building project.
Your Architect and Structural Engineer have undergone academic training. Their professions are regulated with appropriate regulatory bodies and they are meant to have professional. They are responsible for drawing up plans that conform with all of the necessary building and planning regulations.
However, it is not always the case that a builder follows or understands the regulations at hand. This can result in faulty workmanship and safety issues. In immediate terms, it can lead to costly revisions when, for example, the building control officer indicates that fundamental steps in the build have been omitted, or have not been sufficiently documented or that crucial building works require revision. It is therefore imperative to survey your build as it proceeds to make sure it stays in line with the relevant regulations and standards