ORS | Assigned Certifier | What is an Assigned Certifier and how will they benefit my project?

Assigned Certifier – What is it and how will they benefit my project?

Why do I need an Assigned Certifier.

Building Control Amendment Regulations S.I. No. 9/2014

The Building Control System aims to ensure the safety of people within the built environment and is centred on the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 which provides for the making of Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations. The Building Regulations 1997 – 2014 are a set of legal requirements for the design and construction of new buildings. It also applies to extensions, material alterations and certain changes of use to existing buildings. The aim of the Building Regulations is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The Building Control Regulations 1997 – 2015 provide for matters of procedure, administration and control for the purposes of securing the implementation of and compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations. On the 1st March 2014, new laws relating to the commencement and certification of construction works came into effect (BCAR 2014). The new laws include the nomination of a ‘Builder’ to carry out works in accordance with the Building Regulations, and the nomination of a competent person, an ‘Assigned Certifier’ to inspect the works to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. The submission of additional documentation with a Commencement Notice at commencement stage, and the introduction of a Certificate of Compliance on completion are some of the new requirements introduced.

Overview of Our Assigned Certifier Services

The role of the Assigned Certifier encompasses the coordination of statutory certifications, including the Undertaking by Assigned Certifier and the Certificate of Compliance on Completion. Additionally, Ancillary Certification from Design Team members, Design Specialists, and other relevant parties are required in collaboration with the Builder. The Assigned Certifier is responsible for identifying, coordinating, and compiling these certifications.

Working closely with the Builder and Design Team, the Assigned Certifier develops a Preliminary Inspection Plan, oversees its implementation, and maintains inspection records throughout the construction phase. These records remain readily available for review. It is important to note that Assigned Certifiers do not assume site supervision responsibilities.

At project completion, the Assigned Certifier submits the Inspection Plan as Implemented, Schedule of compliance certificates and documents, along with the Certificate of Compliance on Completion. We serve as the primary liaison with Building Control Authorities during construction, addressing regulatory inquiries and resolving discrepancies between project stakeholders. The Assigned Certifier also facilitates compliance with Section 11 requests under the Building Control Act 1990 and ensures adherence to procedures outlined in the Building Control Regulations 1997.

Should an owner wish to change the Assigned Certifier, Builder, or project ownership, the ORS Assigned Certifier Team provides expert assistance, ensuring that the transition occurs within the mandated 14-day period to maintain compliance with the Building Control Regulations 1997.

ORS Assigned Certifier Team

The ORS Assigned Certifier Team comprises highly skilled and registered professionals, BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulations) Coordinators, and Site Inspectors. Our team members hold professional memberships with esteemed industry bodies, including:

Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)
Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI)
Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI)
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of GB (ICWCI)

Leveraging our extensive expertise and due diligence, we ensure full compliance with the Building Control Act 1990, Building Control Act 2007, Building Control Regulations 1997, and Building Regulations 1997, as amended.

Industries We Serve

Housing Construction

Traditional Build: Blockwork internal and brickwork external
Precast: Apartments and Duplexes
In-Situ Concrete: Apartments and Duplexes
Timber Frame: Houses
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC): Houses, Duplexes, and Maisonettes

Commercial Construction & Fit-Out

Car Showrooms
Subdivision of Units
Retail Units
Office Blocks & Refurbishments
Sports Clubs & Facilities
Public Houses

Healthcare Industry

Nursing Homes
Independent Living Units
Fit-Out of Medical Facilities
Veterinary Facilities

Education Industry

Crèches
Schools
Libraries

Hospitality Industry

Refurbishments, Extensions, and Fit-Outs of:
Hotels
Hostels
Self-Catering Cabins

Industrial Construction & Fit-Out

Pharmaceutical Plants
Warehousing with Associated Offices
Food Processing Plants

Power Generation Stations

Compliance of Imported Units with the Building Regulations 1997 (as amended)
ESB Substations

Insurance Industry

Technical Assessments of Construction Works

Benefits of the BCAR Process

Traditionally, the policing of the construction process has relied on a self-assessment model involving builders and professionals who provided opinions on compliance. It has become evident over the last decade that there were serious deficiencies with this approach. It translated into poor quality, inspection and certification of construction projects as evidenced by pyrite damage and serious fire safety deficiencies such as with the Priory Hall Development.

The Regulations impact on all stages of the building process from initial design to completion and achieve greater accountability in relation to compliance with Building Regulations. The addition of an Assigned Certifier to coordinate and oversee inspections and certify the building on completion has greatly increased the emphasis placed on construction quality and compliance. Previously designers would issue opinions on substantial compliance. The Amendments now require strict confirmation that the works comply, and each designer must supply a suite of Ancillary Certificates confirming same at completion. This places much greater responsibility on the Assigned Certifier and project team.

Since the introduction of BC(A)R 2014 ORS has created a dedicated Assigned Certifier team which has gained invaluable experience in providing Assigned Certifier services to projects across all sectors. For further information please see the ORS Assigned Certifier Webpage and or contact a member of the team.

Need an Assigned Certifier for Your Project?

For more information on how ORS Assigned Certifiers can support your next project, contact our experts at info@ors.ie or call +353 1524 2060.