Performance Criteria
Certifiers shall satisfy themselves that a sufficiently detailed appraisal of the effect on the existing building(s) and any buildings in the vicinity of the proposed works has been carried out and that the conclusions and recommendations are appropriate.
Where the permit application involves alterations to or a change of use of an existing building, Certifiers shall satisfy themselves that a sufficiently detailed appraisal of the existing structure has been carried out, that a written assessment of the effects of the proposed works has been prepared and that the conclusions and recommendations are appropriate.
Background
Where an existing building is being altered or extended it is important that the effect of the proposed works on the building and on buildings in the vicinity of the proposed works is assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced engineer following an industry standard methodology.
Guidance
The existing buildings appraisal is likely to comprise a structural report on the building(s) which outlines its condition, its suitability for alteration/extension and the need for any special measures to protect it and adjacent buildings. Guidance is provided in the IStructE publication Appraisal of Existing Structures.
Where appropriate there should be evidence that the report has been checked by a suitably qualified person.
It is expected that the building(s) will have been inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced building professional, not necessarily an engineer.
Certifiers need not have visited the property or properties personally provided they are satisfied that an inspection was carried out, that it was undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced individual and that it was sufficiently detailed and adequately documented.
Where the appraisal was not carried out by the Certifier there is to be evidence to show that the report was reviewed by the Certifier who was satisfied with its content.
Where an inspection was not carried out the reasons for this shall be documented. In such circumstances the Certifier shall ensure that there is a record of how the effect of the works on the existing building(s) was assessed.
Examples of Major Non-conformances
No evidence that an appraisal of the effect on the existing building(s) and any buildings in the vicinity of the proposed works was undertaken.
Failure to produce a report of the appraisal for all but minor projects.
No evidence that an appraisal undertaken by others was reviewed by the Certifier.
Examples of Improvement Issues
Failure to produce a report of the appraisal for a minor project.
Inadequate record of the appraisal.
Deficiencies in the scope of the report or the methodology used.
October 2016
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