- Home
- 1 Welcome
- 2 Introduction
- 3 General
- 3.1 Concrete and its reinforcement
- 3.1.1 Compliance
- 3.1.2 Provision of information
- 3.1.3 Storage of materials
- 3.1.4 Site-mixed concrete
- 3.1.5 Ready-mixed concrete
- 3.1.6 Concrete specification
- 3.1.7 Admixtures
- 3.1.8 Special types of concrete
- 3.1.9 Design of reinforced concrete
- 3.1.10 Installation of reinforcement
- 3.1.11 Blinding concrete
- 3.1.12 Formwork
- 3.1.13 Before concreting
- 3.1.14 Casting
- 3.1.15 Curing
- 3.1.16 Testing
- 3.1.17 Glossary
- 3.2 Cold weather working
- 3.3 Timber preservation (natural solid timber)
- 3.1 Concrete and its reinforcement
- 4 Foundations
- 4.1 Land quality – managing ground conditions
- 4.1.1 Compliance
- 4.1.2 Initial Assessment – desk study (all sites)
- 4.1.3 Initial Assessment – walkover survey (all sites)
- 4.1.4 Initial Assessment – results
- 4.1.5 Basic Investigation (sites where hazards are not identified or suspected)
- 4.1.6 Detailed Investigation (sites where hazards are identified or suspected)
- 4.1.7 Managing the risks (sites where hazards are found)
- 4.1.8 Unforeseen hazards
- 4.1.9 Documentation and verification
- 4.1.10 Guidance for investigations
- 4.1.11 Further information
- 4.2 Building near trees
- 4.2.1 Compliance
- 4.2.2 Provision of information
- 4.2.3 Building near trees
- 4.2.4 The effects of trees on shrinkable soils
- 4.2.5 Foundations in all soil types
- 4.2.6 Excavation of foundations
- 4.2.7 Foundations in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.8 Design and construction of foundations in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.9 Foundation depths for specific conditions in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.10 Heave precautions
- 4.2.11 New drainage
- 4.2.12 Foundation depth charts
- 4.2.13 Foundation depth tables
- 4.2.14 Example
- 4.2.15 Further information
- 4.3 Strip and trench fill foundations
- 4.3.1 Compliance
- 4.3.2 Provision of information
- 4.3.3 Ground conditions
- 4.3.4 Hazardous ground
- 4.3.5 Setting out
- 4.3.6 Services and drainage
- 4.3.7 Safe transmission of loads
- 4.3.8 Sloping ground and stepped foundations
- 4.3.9 Excavations
- 4.3.10 Reinforcement
- 4.3.11 Concrete
- 4.3.12 Movement joints
- 4.3.13 Construction joints
- 4.4 Raft, pile, pier and beam foundations
- 4.4.1 Compliance
- 4.4.2 Provision of information
- 4.4.3 Site conditions
- 4.4.4 Hazardous ground
- 4.4.5 Services and drainage
- 4.4.6 Safe transmission of loads
- 4.4.7 Construction
- 4.4.8 Engineer checks
- 4.4.9 Compressible materials
- 4.4.10 Reinforcement
- 4.4.11 Concrete
- 4.4.12 Movement joints
- 4.4.13 Resistance to moisture
- 4.5 Vibratory ground improvement techniques
- 4.5.1 Compliance
- 4.5.2 Hazardous sites and ground hazards
- 4.5.3 Desk study and site investigation
- 4.5.4 Confirmation of suitability for treatment
- 4.5.5 Suitability of ground conditions
- 4.5.6 Compatibility of the ground, design and treatment
- 4.5.7 Acceptable methods
- 4.5.8 Materials for use as fill
- 4.5.9 Granular material
- 4.5.10 Sitework
- 4.5.11 Adjacent excavations
- 4.5.12 Verification of completed treatment
- 4.1 Land quality – managing ground conditions
- 5 Substructure, Ground Floors, Drainage and Basements
- 5.1 Substructure and ground-bearing floors
- 5.1.1 Compliance
- 5.1.2 Provision of information
- 5.1.3 Transfer of loads
- 5.1.4 Ground conditions
- 5.1.5 Services and drainage
- 5.1.6 Ground below fill
- 5.1.7 Fill below floors
- 5.1.8 Infill up to 600mm deep
- 5.1.9 Materials used for fill
- 5.1.10 Harmful or toxic materials
- 5.1.11 Regulatory solutions
- 5.1.12 Walls below the DPC
- 5.1.13 Durability
- 5.1.14 Mortar
- 5.1.15 Wall ties
- 5.1.16 Blinding
- 5.1.17 Ground floor slab and concrete
- 5.1.18 Laying the ground-bearing floor slab
- 5.1.19 Damp proof course
- 5.1.20 Damp proofing concrete floors
- 5.1.21 Thermal insulation
- 5.1.22 Installation of insulation
- 5.1.23 Further information
- 5.2 Suspended ground floors
- 5.2.1 Compliance
- 5.2.2 Provision of information
- 5.2.3 Contaminants
- 5.2.4 Proprietary systems
- 5.2.5 Transfer of loads: concrete floors
- 5.2.6 Reinforced concrete
- 5.2.7 Construction of suspended concrete ground floors
- 5.2.8 Transfer of loads: timber floors
- 5.2.9 Thermal insulation and cold bridging
- 5.2.10 Damp-proofing and ventilation
- 5.2.11 Floor finishes
- 5.2.12 Floor decking
- 5.3 Drainage below ground
- 5.3.1 Compliance
- 5.3.2 Provision of information
- 5.3.3 Preliminary work
- 5.3.4 Foul and surface water disposal
- 5.3.5 Drainage system performance
- 5.3.6 Ground water drainage
- 5.3.7 Design to avoid damage and blockages
- 5.3.8 Durability
- 5.3.9 Septic tanks and cesspools
- 5.3.10 Septic tanks
- 5.3.11 Surface water soakaways
- 5.3.12 Component requirements
- 5.3.13 Excavation
- 5.3.14 Protection of pipework
- 5.3.15 Laying pipework
- 5.3.16 Protection of work
- 5.3.17 Testing
- 5.4 Waterproofing of basements and other below ground structures
- 5.1 Substructure and ground-bearing floors
- 6 Superstructure (excluding roofs)
- 6.1 External masonry walls
- 6.1.1 Compliance
- 6.1.2 Provision of information
- 6.1.3 Structural design
- 6.1.4 Fire resistance
- 6.1.5 Acoustic resistance
- 6.1.6 Exposure
- 6.1.7 Thermal insulation
- 6.1.8 Concrete blocks
- 6.1.9 Bricks
- 6.1.10 Stone masonry
- 6.1.11 Construction of masonry walls
- 6.1.12 Lintels
- 6.1.13 Materials suitable for mortar
- 6.1.14 Mortar
- 6.1.15 Render
- 6.1.16 Cladding
- 6.1.17 DPCs and cavity trays
- 6.1.18 Wall ties
- 6.1.19 Handling materials
- 6.1.20 Cold weather working
- 6.2 External timber framed walls
- 6.2.1 Compliance
- 6.2.2 Provision of information
- 6.2.3 Design checking and certification
- 6.2.4 Load-bearing walls
- 6.2.5 Fixing the frame
- 6.2.6 Nails and staples
- 6.2.7 Sheathing
- 6.2.8 Differential movement
- 6.2.9 Fire resistance
- 6.2.10 Protection from moisture
- 6.2.11 Timber preservation
- 6.2.12 Vapour control layers
- 6.2.13 Breather membranes
- 6.2.14 Wall ties and fixings
- 6.2.15 Insulation
- 6.3 Internal walls
- 6.3.1 Compliance
- 6.3.2 Provision of information
- 6.3.3 Supporting load-bearing internal walls
- 6.3.4 Masonry walls
- 6.3.5 Load-bearing timber walls
- 6.3.6 Fire resistance
- 6.3.7 Sound insulation
- 6.3.8 Partitions: internal non load-bearing
- 6.3.9 Construction of timber partitions
- 6.3.10 Construction of steel framed partitions
- 6.3.11 Construction of proprietary systems
- 6.3.12 Plasterboard
- 6.3.13 Damp-proof courses
- 6.3.14 Components
- 6.4 Timber and concrete upper floors
- 6.4.1 Compliance
- 6.4.2 Provision of information
- 6.4.3 Upper floor design
- 6.4.4 Fire spread
- 6.4.5 Sound insulation
- 6.4.6 In-situ concrete floors and concreting
- 6.4.7 Precast concrete
- 6.4.8 Timber joist spans
- 6.4.9 Timber joists
- 6.4.10 Construction of timber floors
- 6.4.11 Joists supported by intermediate walls
- 6.4.12 Joists connected to steel
- 6.4.13 Joists into hangers
- 6.4.14 Timber joist and restraint strap
- 6.4.15 Strutting
- 6.4.16 Joists and openings
- 6.4.17 Multiple joists
- 6.4.18 Notching and drilling
- 6.4.19 Floor decking
- 6.4.20 Floating floors or floors between homes
- 6.5 Steelwork
- 6.6 Staircases
- 6.6.1 Compliance
- 6.6.2 Provision of information
- 6.6.3 Fire precautions
- 6.6.4 Lighting
- 6.6.5 Safe transmission of loads
- 6.6.6 Headroom and width
- 6.6.7 Design of steps
- 6.6.8 Landings
- 6.6.9 Guarding
- 6.6.10 Handrails
- 6.6.11 Timber staircases
- 6.6.12 Timber and wood-based products
- 6.6.13 Finished joinery
- 6.6.14 Concrete staircases
- 6.6.15 Steel staircases
- 6.6.16 Staircase units
- 6.6.17 Fixings
- 6.6.18 Protection
- 6.7 Doors, windows and glazing
- 6.8 Fireplaces, chimneys and flues
- 6.8.1 Compliance
- 6.8.2 Provision of information
- 6.8.3 Solid fuel – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.4 Solid fuel – combustion air
- 6.8.5 Solid fuel – flue pipes
- 6.8.6 Solid fuel – chimneys
- 6.8.7 Solid fuel – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.8 Gas – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.9 Gas – combustion air
- 6.8.10 Gas – flue pipes
- 6.8.11 Gas – chimneys
- 6.8.12 Gas – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.13 Oil – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.14 Oil – combustion air
- 6.8.15 Oil – flue pipes
- 6.8.16 Oil – chimneys
- 6.8.17 Oil – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.18 All – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.19 All – fireplace surrounds
- 6.8.20 All – flue pipes
- 6.8.21 All – flue liners
- 6.8.22 All – flues
- 6.8.23 All – chimneys
- 6.8.24 Masonry
- 6.8.25 Mortar
- 6.8.26 DPC
- 6.8.27 Flashings
- 6.8.28 Terminals
- 6.8.29 Flue testing
- 6.8.30 Further information
- 6.9 Curtain walling and cladding
- 6.9.1 Compliance
- 6.9.2 Provision of information
- 6.9.3 Certification
- 6.9.4 Loads
- 6.9.5 Support and fixings
- 6.9.6 Durability
- 6.9.7 Interfaces
- 6.9.8 Insulation
- 6.9.9 Damp proofing and vapour control
- 6.9.10 Installation and tolerances
- 6.9.11 Electrical continuity and earth bonding
- 6.9.12 Maintenance
- 6.9.13 Glazing, gaskets and sealants
- 6.9.14 Cavity barriers and firestops
- 6.9.15 Ventilation screens
- 6.9.16 Handling and storage
- 6.9.17 Curtain walling
- 6.9.18 Rainscreen cladding
- 6.9.19 Insulated render and brick slip cladding
- 6.10 Light steel framing
- 6.10.1 Compliance
- 6.10.2 Provision of information
- 6.10.3 Structural certification
- 6.10.4 Structural design of load-bearing floors and walls
- 6.10.5 Structural design of infill walls
- 6.10.6 Roofs
- 6.10.7 Steel and fixings
- 6.10.8 Detailing of steel joists
- 6.10.9 Restraint
- 6.10.10 Construction of load-bearing walls and external infill walls
- 6.10.11 Interfaces with staircases
- 6.10.12 Fixing floor decking and ceilings
- 6.10.13 Other design issues
- 6.10.14 Behaviour in relation to fire
- 6.10.15 Acoustic performance
- 6.10.16 Moisture control
- 6.10.17 Insulation
- 6.10.18 Vapour control layers
- 6.10.19 Breather membranes
- 6.10.20 Cladding, lining and sheathing boards
- 6.10.21 Wall ties
- 6.10.22 Services
- 6.10.23 Further information
- 6.11 Render
- 6.1 External masonry walls
- 7 Roofs
- 7.1 Flat roofs and balconies
- 7.1.1 Compliance
- 7.1.2 Provision of information
- 7.1.3 Flat roof and balcony design
- 7.1.4 Timber and timber decks
- 7.1.5 Profiled metal decks
- 7.1.6 Concrete decks
- 7.1.7 Thermal insulation and vapour control
- 7.1.8 Waterproofing and surface treatments
- 7.1.9 Green and proprietary roofs
- 7.1.10 Detailing of flat roofs
- 7.1.11 Accessible thresholds
- 7.1.12 Drainage
- 7.1.13 Guarding to balconies
- 7.2 Pitched roofs
- 7.2.1 Compliance
- 7.2.2 Provision of information
- 7.2.3 Design of pitched roofs
- 7.2.4 Protection of trusses
- 7.2.5 Durability
- 7.2.6 Wall plates
- 7.2.7 Joints and connections
- 7.2.8 Restraint
- 7.2.9 Bracing for trussed rafter roofs
- 7.2.10 Strutting for attic trusses and cut roofs that form a floor
- 7.2.11 Support for equipment
- 7.2.12 Access
- 7.2.13 Dormer construction
- 7.2.14 Underlay and sarking
- 7.2.15 Ventilation, vapour control and insulation
- 7.2.16 Firestopping and cavity barriers
- 7.2.17 Battens
- 7.2.18 Roof coverings
- 7.2.19 Fixing tiles and slates
- 7.2.20 Weathering details
- 7.2.21 Valleys and hidden gutters
- 7.2.22 Drainage
- 7.2.23 Fascias and trim
- 7.2.24 Spandrel panels
- 7.1 Flat roofs and balconies
- 8 Services
- 8.1 Internal services
- 8.1.1 Compliance
- 8.1.2 Provision of information
- 8.1.3 Water services and supply
- 8.1.4 Cold water storage
- 8.1.5 Hot water service
- 8.1.6 Soil and waste systems
- 8.1.7 Electrical services and installations
- 8.1.8 Gas service installations
- 8.1.9 Meters
- 8.1.10 Space heating systems
- 8.1.11 Installation
- 8.1.12 Extract ducts
- 8.1.13 Testing and commissioning
- 8.2 Low or zero carbon technologies
- 8.2.1 Compliance
- 8.2.2 Provision of information
- 8.2.3 Clean Air Act
- 8.2.4 System design
- 8.2.5 Access
- 8.2.6 Handling, storage and protection
- 8.2.7 Sequence of work
- 8.2.8 Location
- 8.2.9 Building integration
- 8.2.10 Fixing
- 8.2.11 Electrical installation requirements
- 8.2.12 Pipes, insulation and protection from cold
- 8.2.13 Ground collectors
- 8.2.14 Fuel storage
- 8.2.15 Safe discharge
- 8.2.16 Testing and commissioning
- 8.2.17 Handover requirements
- 8.2.18 Further information
- 8.3 Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- 8.1 Internal services
- 9 Finishes
- 10 External works
- 10.1 Garages
- 10.2 Drives, paths and landscaping
- 10.2.1 Compliance
- 10.2.2 Provision of information
- 10.2.3 Stability
- 10.2.4 Freestanding walls and retaining structures
- 10.2.5 Guarding and steps
- 10.2.6 Drives, paths and landscaping
- 10.2.7 Materials
- 10.2.8 Garden areas within 3m of the home
- 10.2.9 Garden areas
- 10.2.10 Timber decking
- 10.2.11 Landscaping
2.1The Standards and Technical Requirements
This chapter introduces the NHBC Standards and contains the Technical Requirements.
Application of the Standards
The NHBC Standards contain the Technical Requirements, performance standards and guidance for the design and construction of homes acceptable to NHBC. The home is defined in NHBC Rules for builders and developers registered with NHBC.
The Standards come into effect for every NHBC registered home whose foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2019, and they apply throughout the UK, unless otherwise stated.
Composition of the Standards
The Standards are divided into 10 Parts, each covering a particular element and subdivided into chapters which, in principle, follow the normal build sequence (the list of chapters is shown in the Contents section of Part 1). The front cover of each chapter contains its scope, together with a list of its contents
Technical Requirements
The Technical Requirements are shown in red text in this chapter, and must be met by the builder.
Performance standards
The performance standards support the Technical Requirements and are shown in bold black text backed with a shaded box.
Where the performance standards are followed, the Technical Requirements for that particular item of work will be met.
Alternative standards of performance will be acceptable only if, in the opinion of NHBC, the Technical Requirements for that particular item of work are met and the standard achieved is not lower than the stated performance standard.
Guidance
Guidance on how the performance standard may be met is shown in black text and is based on normal construction procedures and recommended practices which have been shown to be satisfactory and acceptable over time. NHBC will consider alternative methods to meet specific requirements, subject to prior consultation and evaluation.
Guidance is also contained in illustrations and digital 3D models.
Guidance is provided to demonstrate specific technical principles, and should not be used as working construction details.
Limitations on use
The Technical Requirements, performance standards and guidance form acceptable technical benchmarks for a particular item of work, but do not form a complete specification and should not be used as such in contracts. Individual chapters cover, as far as practical, the requirements for particular elements of construction. To avoid repetition, some cross-referencing is made between chapters.
The NHBC Standards do not apply to:
- health and safety matters relating to building operations
- planning matters except where specifically referred to in these Standards.
- climate
- topography
- geology and ground conditions
- contamination
- workings below ground
- previous use of the site
- any other aspect, on or adjacent to the site, which could affect the design.
- self weight
- all imposed loads, including wind loads
- construction loads.
- exposure to wind and rain
- topography.
- durability of both the structure and individual components and assemblies
- geographical location
- position on the site
- position within the structure.
- performance in accordance with standards set by NHBC, or
- where no NHBC standard is set, compliance with the relevant British Standard or equivalent European Technical Specification approved by a Committee for Standardisation, provided they are used in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice, or
- compliance with standards not lower than those defined in a relevant British Standard specification or equivalent, provided their use is accepted by NHBC, or
- satisfactory assessment by an appropriate independent technical approvals authority accepted by NHBC, or
- use of materials and products in accordance with well established satisfactory custom and practice, provided that such custom and practice is acceptable to NHBC, or
- acceptance, in writing, by NHBC that the quality and use is satisfactory.
- the requirements of the design
- suitable methods of unloading and handling
- proper protection during storage
- use of correct installation methods
- protection against weather during construction (including excessive heat, cold, wetting or drying)
- protection against damage by following trades.
- foundations on hazardous ground where the hazard makes special consideration necessary. (Note: This would not apply to matters for which NHBC sets standards, such as building near trees, except where specified to the contrary)
- foundations and superstructure of every building over three storeys in height
- certain types of foundations and retaining walls, as required in the individual chapters of the NHBC Standards
- any structural element which is not based on specific design criteria as laid down in the chapters of the NHBC Standards
- any dwelling not constructed in accordance with UK traditional practice.
- Eurocodes and their respective National Annexes.
- BS EN 1990. Eurocode 0: ‘Basis of structural design’.
- BS EN 1991. Eurocode 1: ‘Actions on structures’.
- BS EN 1992. Eurocode 2: ‘Design of concrete structures’.
- BS EN 1993. Eurocode 3: ‘Design of steel structures’.
- BS EN 1995. Eurocode 5: ‘Design of timber structures’.
- BS EN 1996. Eurocode 6: ‘Design of masonry structures’.
- BS EN 1997. Eurocode 7: ‘Geotechnical design’.
- require the Engineer to issue clear instructions for site personnel
- not permit departure from the design without the Engineer’s written consent
- require the Engineer or his representative to carry out such inspections as may be required by NHBC to ensure the adequacy of the design and construction.
- when the foundations have been designed under this Technical Requirement, or
- when specifically required by NHBC in these Standards.
Such matters are covered by statutory requirements.
Interpretation
Where a difference exists in how to interpret the Technical Requirements, performance standards and guidance, this would generally be resolved by further consultation, failing which, NHBC will exercise its right to decide in accordance with the NHBC Rules.
Testing
Where required, samples of materials, products and systems shall be tested in accordance with Technical Requirement R3 and the NHBC Rules.
Standards and codes of practice
Where NHBC Standards refer to authoritative documents such as British Standards, the documents shall be the editions current at the time of Building Regulation approval, unless other recommendations are agreed by NHBC in writing.
The standards referred to in the NHBC Standards comprise specifications, codes of practice and published documents that are published by BSI, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Tolerances
All work shall be within acceptable tolerances. Where applicable, account should be taken of Chapter 9.1 ‘A consistent approach to finishes’. In other situations, tolerances will be those currently acceptable in the house-building industry.
Acknowledgements
NHBC is indebted to members of the Standards Committee, the Standards Review Group, the Scottish Technical Subcommittee and the Northern Ireland Technical Subcommittee for their work in developing and maintaining the NHBC Standards.
NHBC also wishes to acknowledge the help given by consultants, authoritative organisations, individuals and staff.
Technical Requirements
The Builder shall ensure that the work complies with the Technical Requirements.
R1 Statutory requirements
Work shall comply with all relevant Building Regulations and other statutory requirements relating to the completed construction work.
NHBC will generally accept work that accords with relevant Building Regulations/Building Standards and supporting documents. Exceptions would be where NHBC has a higher standard.
R2 Design requirement
Design and specification shall provide satisfactory performance.
Account shall be taken of:
a) The land quality, including
Where appropriate, the land quality will have to be determined by a person acceptable to NHBC.
b) The structural adequacy of the works. The design, with appropriate factors of safety, shall satisfactorily allow for loads during and after construction and for their transfer to the supporting structure, or foundation, without undue movement, including:
c) The geographical location of the site, including:
d) The position of the dwelling on the site, especially with reference to the dwelling’s exposure to the weather, including at early stages in the development of a site, even if it is eventually protected by structures built later.
e) The position of building elements within the construction works, including the interrelationship of materials and constructions.
f) The security of the dwellings.
R3 Materials requirement
All materials, products and building systems shall be suitable for their intended purpose.
The structure of the home shall, unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing with NHBC, have a life of at least 60 years.
Individual components and assemblies, not integral to the structure, may have a lesser durability and need planned maintenance, repair or replacement during that period.
Account shall be taken of the use and location of materials, products and building systems in relation to:
Materials, products and building systems will normally be acceptable if they comply with the following:
a) MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS USED FOR CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
Functions critical to performance are: structure, fire resistance, weatherproofing, durability, thermal and sound insulation, services including heating appliances and flues. Any of the following are acceptable:
b) MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS USED FOR NON-CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
Compliance with the above acceptance criteria for critical functions or strictly in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations for the specific use.
c) RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Reclaimed materials may only be reused with the prior agreement of NHBC. Independent certification of suitability may be required.
d) PROPRIETARY BUILDING SYSTEMS
Reference should be made to R3a iv.
e) TIMBER DURABILITY
Reference should be made to Chapter 3.3 ‘Timber preservation (natural solid timber)’.
f) RECOVERED AGGREGATES
Aggregates derived from recovered inert waste, e.g. recycled aggregate, should only be used where it can be demonstrated that the inert waste material has been fully recovered, has ceased to be a waste as defined by the Waste Framework Directive 2008 and has become a product. To this end, recovered aggregates produced by a supplier complying with a recognised defined quality management scheme such as the WRAP Quality Protocol and meeting end-of-waste criteria, will be acceptable to NHBC.
Notes
Equivalents to British Standards or technical approvals authority shall be those accepted in the UK.
Further guidance on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can be found at www.nhbc.co.uk/MMCHub
R4 Workmanship requirement
All work shall be carried out in a proper, neat and workmanlike manner.
The Builder shall ensure that:
a) the conditions of the materials, products and the completed work are satisfactory
b) appropriate precautions are taken to prevent damage
c) account is taken of the following:
R5 Structural design requirement
Structural design shall be carried out by suitably qualified persons in accordance with British Standards and Codes of Practice.
The following shall be designed by Chartered Civil or Structural Engineers whose status (including professional indemnity insurance) is accepted by NHBC:
Notes
Other structural elements may be designed by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer or others whose status (including professional indemnity insurance) is accepted by NHBC.
The structural design shall take account of the durability requirement in Technical Requirement R3 Materials.
In England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, structural design may be undertaken by the Builder’s own Engineer or a Consulting Engineer employed by the Builder. Where specialist subcontractors undertake the design, it must be separately appraised by the Builder’s own Engineer or by a Consulting Engineer employed by the Builder to ensure that the site investigation, choice of foundations, siting and construction of dwellings are properly taken into account and that the design is appropriate for the loading and conditions.
In Scotland, the Engineer shall be independent of the Builder and specialist subcontractor.
Account shall be taken of all parts of the following British Standards:
Alternatively, designs in accordance with BS 8103 ‘Structural design of low rise buildings’ will be acceptable.