BSR Gateway 2. Works to an existing Higher Risk Building Guidance and advice on making it through the Building Safety Regulators Gateway 2 Process

With one HRB Building Regulations Application for works to an existing HRB APPROVED and our second awaiting a COMPLETION CERTIFICATE, here’s our lessons learned, guidance and advice to help navigate through the process.

ASSUME AND PLAN FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME
Although the statutory period for a Building Control Application relating to works in an existing HRB is 8 weeks, we would recommend building contingency in to the programme for an extension of time request. In our experience this could be anything up to double the amount of time to determine an application.

THINK LIKE THE REGULATOR
Consider what information is important to the regulator and make it easy for them to know where to access it. It is not sufficient to simply supply the BSR with plans, drawings and specifications which merely show the planned work – information must positively demonstrate compliance. Recent changes to the BSR portal now allow application information to be uploaded in separate folders, so consider the naming protocols and how the information is collated in a way that makes it easy for the regulator to know where to evidence compliance.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DUTYHOLDERS
New duties are in place for all those who procure, plan, design, manage and undertake building work. Its important to ensure from the outset of the project that all Dutyholders are aware of their duties and responsibilities and work collaboratively and proactively throughout the Gateway processes. Communication is key with regular meetings, planning, recording and actioning – working together to ensure that the project complies with regulations will ultimately lead to a smoother Gateway process.

BSR FEE STRUCTURE AND CHARGING
With the exception of the standard charges to upload an application and apply for a certificate of completion, the BSR work on a hourly rate which makes it difficult to determine their overall fee. Chargeable work will include application reviews, internal meetings, the collation of an inspection schedule, putting together a multidisciplinary team to review the proposals and site inspections during the construction period. Our advice to clients is to make sure there is a robust sum within the project budget allocated specifically for BSR fees.

BE PATIENT AND MANAGE EXPECTATIONS!
Its easy to vent your frustration on the Building Safety Regulator when responses are slow and time delays occur, so managing your clients expectations is key.  Make them aware from the outset that the process is currently mired with unpredictability and inconsistency. One of the main issues is the lack of compatibility with Design and Build – with D&B delivery stages now proving a poor fit for Gateway 2 the new regulatory framework does not really align with how projects are procured and how design happens which means the industry is likely to need to change and adapt to suit. Watch this space!