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The new Building Control (Amendment) Regulations, BC(A)R, apply to most building works (including new houses, housing and apartments, house extensions over 40m2, schools, factories, offices, shops, hospitals and other government investment projects). Building Owners are required to appoint, for almost any building or works, a Design Certifier and an Assigned Certifier as well as a Competent Builder. Building Owner’s Obligations under BC(A)R  include: • Giving a written undertaking on a statutory form to the Building Control Authority to appoint a competent Design Team to design the new building in accordance the Building Regulations. • Giving  a written undertaking on a statutory form to the Building Control Authority to appoint a competent Builder to construct the new building in accordance the Building Regulations. • Giving a written undertaking on a statutory form to the Building Control Authority to appoint a competent Assigned Certifier who will prepare an Inspection Plan, inspect and certify, with the Builder, that the new building, when complete, is built in accordance the Building Regulations. Assigned Certifier Services Typically Include: • Being the single point of contact with the Building Control Authority during construction. • Preparing the Preliminary Inspection Plan and overseeing adherence to this plan and on completion providing the Inspection Plan as implemented. • Identifying all design professionals and specialists, in conjunction with the Builder, from whom certificates are required. • Identifying all certificates required and obtaining them. • Co-ordinating the ancillary certification by members of the design team and other relevant bodies for the Certificate of Compliance on Completion. • In consultation with members of the design team, planing and overseeing the implementation of the Inspection Plan during Construction. • Co-ordinating and collating all certification of compliance for completion, in conjunction with the Builder and receiving these as formal submissions at agreed intervals and dates. • Making available to the Building Owner all certification prepared and inspection reports carried out. • Maintaining records of inspection. • Providing and signing the Certificate of Compliance for the Undertaking and Completion of the project.

Registration of Builders and Sub-Contractors • The Construction Industry Federation, representing Builders in Ireland, have launched information on a voluntary register of builders and sub-contractors on: www.ciri.ie. • This voluntary register has a code of practice and a sanctions procedure whereby builders can be struck off the register. • A Statutory Register of Builders is proposed to be established shortly. Building Owner and Design Team Administrative Procedures before Construction • 14 -28 days before the construction of the Building starts on site, the Building Owner issues a statutory Commencement Notice to the Building Control Authority. • With the Commencement Notice the Design Team issues a Statutory Certificate, with back up drawings and information, confirming the Building is designed in compliance with the Building Regulations. • The Assigned Certifier issues an Inspection Plan to the Building Control Authority. • The Builder signs and issues a Statutory Certificate confirming they will construct in accordance with the Building Regulations. Lodgement of the Commencement Notice   • The Commencement Notice is submitted electronically, together with the drawings, specification, design philosophy, Fire Safety and Disability Access Certificates. • The 34 Building Control Authorities will be centralised for the purpose of BC(A)R. • A Framework of standards will be provided as guidance on how Building Control will operate, with standardised procedures for all Authorities. • The Building Control Authority carries out a risk analysis/inspection system, of the Design, Inspection Plan, and the Builder. • The Building Control Authority may seek additional information, from the Building Owner, Design Team, Assigned Certifier and Builder during the construction process. • The Building Control Authority by table top risk analysis can devise inspection schedules when design, construction, materials, site location are identified as being problematic. The Role of the Assigned Certifier and Builder, During the Construction Stage • The Assigned Certifier will implement the Inspection Plan with the Builder. • The Assigned Certifier will collate certificates, sub-certificates, ancillary certificates, warranties and tests as set out in the Inspection Plan, with the Builder. • The Assigned Certifier will respond to requests for additional information by the BCA. The Role of the Assigned Certifier and the Builder at Completion • The Assigned Certifier and the Builder having collated all the required certificates identified in the Inspection Plan, collected from all those identified, sub-contractors, suppliers, testers, manufacturers and are satisfied that the building is built in accordance with the Building Regulations, co-sign the Statutory Completion Certificate and lodge it with the BCA, 3 -5 weeks in advance of the Completion date. • The Building will not be permitted to be occupied, used or rented, without the building being placed on the Building Control Authority Register.