Measured surveys key to compliance with new building regs, says industry expert CADS

Recent years have seen a surge of updated regulations for the construction and property management sectors, particularly in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

According to industry expert, CADS, measured surveys could be the answer to meeting stringent laws, particularly for those unsure of the latest requirements.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen new regulations including the Building Safety Act 2022. There can be confusion over how to comply with them, so many of our clients have turned to a measured survey to give them the up-to-date data they need for compliance” says Iain Tubby, Survey Services Manager at CADS.

The Building Safety Act 2022 is considered by many to include some of the biggest changes to building regulations for 40 years. It outlines a number of laws to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated.

However, new research from NBS (National Building Specification) has found that 50% of industry professionals are still uncertain about their responsibilities and requirements under the act.

“Particularly with higher-risk buildings, many owners and developers are unsure what applies and how. So, many are using laser scanning and other measured surveys to get accurate and reliable building data which they can then evaluate” adds Iain.

Another innovation in property management has been the ‘golden thread’ of information. The golden thread is a clear, structured line of data which aims to keep an accurate record of a building’s dimensions, condition and changes throughout its lifecycle.

The golden thread became a requirement under the Building Safety Act after Dame Judith Hackitt introduced the concept in her report ‘Building a Safer Future’, following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Again, the NBS research reported that only one in 10 of those surveyed have a golden thread in place for applicable buildings.

“The golden thread is perhaps the most effective way buildings can demonstrate adherence to regulations now - and plan to meet them in future. And, the best way to obtain the data needed is with measured surveys” says Iain.

CADS provides a wide range of surveying services for clients, including measured building surveys, drone surveys, topographic surveys and more.

CADS recently delivered a measured survey, which included GIA (Gross Internal Area) and NIA (Net Internal Area) calculations, for real estate giant Savills who needed to understand the dimensions of a building to meet fire safety requirements.

The survey expert also supported Century Facades in installing cladding on a major retrofit project in compliance with the new Building Safety Act 2022 and Cladding Safety Scheme 2022 (CSS).

“The surveys we conduct quickly capture accurate and complete data which is vital for verifying compliance with accessibility requirements, structural integrity and fire safety” states Iain.

With 40 years’ experience in the industry, CADS is a trusted provider of reliable and accurate data.

Survey data can include point clouds, 2D plans, 3D models and digital twins which can be explored and stored as a record for reference throughout a building’s lifecycle.

“There’s going to be even more focus on regulation as compliance deadlines approach. Fortunately, site surveys provide the solution to help deliver safer, better and more efficient buildings which maximise the welfare of building users, visitors and the general public” concludes Iain.

For more information about CADS, visit: https://cadsonline.com/measured-surveys/