The current requirement for resistance to the passage of sound under the Building Regulations came into force on 1 July 2003.
It sets out new acoustic performance requirements for residential dwellings, schools and also for "rooms for residential purposes". These are rooms used as sleeping accommodation including rooms in hotels, hostels, boarding houses, halls of residence and residential homes but not including rooms in hospitals or other similar establishments.
The most notable change is the requirement for pre-completion sound testing. While the requirements apply to newly built dwellings, the biggest impact will be on work involving a `material change of use. This includes many types of work but the most common is converting an existing property into flats.
New dwellings built without using Robust Standard Details will also need to be tested to ensure that they achieve a satisfactory performance.
Pre-completion testing
One of the main aims of the new requirements is to improve as-built performance and to remove a major source of complaints.
In order to achieve this, pre-completion testing is required for all flat conversions in order to demonstrate that the required performance, i.e. that adequate sound resistance has been achieved.
The person carrying out the work, will need to ensure that the appropriate sound insulation testing is carried out (by a test body with appropriate third party accreditation and preferably with UKAS accreditation for field measurements), and that a copy of the results is submitted to the local authority, not more than five days after the building work is complete.
The implications for the developer
Under the new Regulations the onus is clearly on the developer to prove that the work, as built on site, complies with the new sound resistance performance requirements.
A completion certificate will not be issued unless the work has passed these tests.
The requirement has obvious financial implications for developments. Tests are not cheap and it is prudent for developers to gather estimates for these tests at an early stage. The early involvement of an acoustic engineer is recommended, as their input at the design stage can be beneficial.
Essential test report data
Test reports must include the following information:
1. The name and address of the organisation carrying out the test
2. Details of their third party accreditation, such as UKAS or ANC membership number, although proof of membership of a bona fide European equivalent will be accepted
3. Date of the test
4. Name of person in charge of the test
5. Name of the client
6. Summary of test equipment and methods
7. Results of test shown in accordance with relevant standards, BS EN ISO 140 series and BS EN ISO 717 series and
8. Clearly and briefly state whether the construction passes or fails the test.
These notes are brief and should only be seen as an introduction to a complex subject.
For further information on pre-completion testing, contact WAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) on telephone no: 020 8917 8555, or visit their web site at www.ukas.com
For more information on Robust Standard Details, contact Robust Standard Details Ltd. on telephone no: 0870 240 8210 or visit their website: www.robustdetails.com
Approved document E of the Building Regulations can be accessed from the Building Regulations section of the website of the Department of Communities and Local Government.
Please note that other documentation such as appropriate certification of electrics, gas fired appliances and SAP energy ratings may be required before the local authority can issue a completion certificate for the works.
Other considerations
Electrical wiring should be carried out by an electrician who is registered with one of the self-certification schemes recognised by the Government. For further information see our separate guidance notes on electrical safety.
Any gas-fired appliances are to be installed by a person who is registered with Gas Safe (previously CORGI, the Council of Registered Gas Installers).
As with sound resistance tests, gas and electrical services need to be certified appropriately, otherwise a completion certificate will not be issued.
From 6 April 2010, all new dwellings, whether new build or formed by conversion of an existing dwelling must satisfy new water efficiency standards and demonstrate a water consumption of not more than 125 litres per person per day. The water consumption should be established using the Governments water efficiency calculator for new dwellings.
It is also necessary that all baths be fitted with protective measures, such as thermostatic mixing valves, to limit the temperature of hot water and thus prevent scalding.
This information was last reviewed by Building Control in September 2011
