The residential sector has a variety of new safety and certification requirements to navigate, especially under the Building Safety Act. Mike Vaczi of SOPREMA UK highlights why housebuilders and developers need to familiarise themselves with their evolving obligations.
The Building Safety Act has transformed how residential buildings must be designed, constructed, and documented. This transformation is particularly significant for developments over 18 metres or seven storeys containing two or more residential units, where requirements are exceptionally stringent. Housebuilders must now demonstrate unprecedented levels of due diligence in product selection, testing verification,
and documentation.
Central to these new requirements is the Golden Thread – a comprehensive, accessible record of building safety information throughout a project’s lifecycle. This encompasses detailed product specifications, test data, certification documentation, and installation records. For housebuilders, implementing robust systems for managing and maintaining this information from initial design through to building completion and occupation has become essential.
The Hackitt Review’s findings highlighted significant weaknesses in product testing and certification processes within the construction industry. In response, the Building Safety Act introduces stricter requirements for product verification and testing. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the importance of system testing versus component testing. Products must be tested as part of complete systems, matching how they will be installed on site. For instance, roofing and facade systems need to be tested with all components in place, including insulation, membranes, and fixings. Any variation from the tested system could affect performance and compliance.
The Act’s Gateway process introduces strict documentation requirements at key project stages. Gateway 2 is particularly crucial, requiring comprehensive product safety information before construction can begin. This means maintaining detailed technical documentation for all specified products, providing evidence of appropriate testing and certification, and demonstrating how products meet performance requirements. Any deviations from tested systems must be thoroughly justified and documented.
Competency requirements under the Act demand a new level of expertise across all project stages. Design teams must possess a deep understanding of product performance requirements, while installation teams require proper training and qualifications. Site supervision must include appropriate technical expertise, supported by robust quality control procedures. Regular competency assessments ensure these high standards are maintained throughout the project life cycle.
To minimise risk and ensure compliance, early engagement with manufacturers and certification bodies is essential. This collaborative approach allows developers to verify that specified products have appropriate system-level testing and that test configurations match intended applications. Comprehensive documentation of all decisions, supported by robust change control procedures, creates a clear audit trail of compliance.
While safety remains paramount, environmental performance increasingly influences product selection and specification. Modern developers must consider Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), whole-life carbon assessments, and sustainability credentials alongside safety certifications. This holistic approach anticipates future regulatory requirements while meeting current compliance needs.
The digital transformation of construction documentation continues to evolve. Modern project delivery demands sophisticated digital solutions for managing product information and certification. These systems must
ensure information accessibility throughout the project lifecycle while maintaining clear audit trails for all product decisions. Integration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) further enhances this capability, creating a comprehensive digital record of the building’s composition and performance characteristics.
Looking forward, residential construction will demand even greater attention to product testing and certification. Developers who establish robust systems now will be well-positioned for future requirements. The industry can expect enhanced digital documentation requirements, increased emphasis on system-level testing, and greater integration of sustainability metrics into the certification process.
Successful implementation requires a systematic approach. Housebuilders should begin by reviewing existing processes against new requirements, establishing clear responsibilities for information management, and implementing robust verification procedures. Regular training ensures teams maintain the necessary competency levels to meet these evolving demands.
The Building Safety Act represents a fundamental shift in how residential construction approaches product testing and certification. Success requires a comprehensive understanding of new requirements and robust systems for managing information and maintaining compliance. By working closely with manufacturers who maintain rigorous testing programs and comprehensive documentation, housebuilders can ensure both compliance and building safety.
The industry’s future depends on our ability to embrace these changes and implement effective systems for managing product information and certification. Those who adapt successfully will be well-positioned to deliver safe, compliant, and sustainable residential developments in this new era of construction. The path forward requires commitment, expertise, and collaboration across the entire construction supply chain.
Mike Vaczi is technical director at SOPREMA UK