Guidance · 7 min
A Building Regulations energy-compliance checklist for designers
Nine coordination checks before a domestic project is sent for assessment.
1. Confirm the regulatory route
Record the project type, application history and the standards expected to apply. Transitional arrangements can matter, so do not infer the route from the drawing date alone.
2. Coordinate geometry
Check orientation, areas, volumes, exposed elements, openings and party conditions across plans, elevations and sections.
3. Define the fabric
State buildable wall, roof and floor constructions with target performance and enough information for project-specific calculations.
4. Coordinate services and ventilation
Identify heating, hot water, controls, ventilation, airtightness and renewables at a level appropriate to the stage.
5. Review junctions and openings
Set a credible thermal-bridging approach and obtain window, door and rooflight data.
6. Consider overheating
Review glazing, orientation, shading and ventilation while the architectural design can still respond.
7. Keep an assumptions register
Distinguish confirmed selections from design assumptions and update it when products change.
8. Plan completion evidence
Tell the contractor what must be tested, photographed or documented before work is concealed.
9. Reconcile as built
Do not issue final information from an obsolete design specification. Capture changes and assess their combined effect.
Building Regulations guidance and assessment methods can change, and transitional provisions may apply. Confirm the correct route for the particular project rather than relying on a general article.