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SAPs test. Do we need this before we can progress to building regs?


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Posted

Not sure what you means by a "SAP's test"? How it normally works is that you submit a SAP calculation (actually it's a suite of calculations) as part of your design, this demonstrates that your proposal meets the requirements for new dwellings for energy efficiency. Then at the end of the work the process is repeated using the "as built" information (e.g the actual pressure test result rather than an assumed one). That final calculation should be no worse than the original "design" calculation. So you don't need that first SAP calculation before you appoint a BC body but you will need it when you submit your application to them.

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Posted

You need a design stage SAP to submit along with your drawings to building control to get initial approval to proceed.

 

 

Posted

Thanks, that’s all really helpful! 
I’m still confused though! 😊

We have a design (layout & structural) done by my stepdad, who is a retired architect. He is also working on the build and has started. He didn’t bother with building regs on his own house and I don’t think Saps existed, so he has just started, but we think we need to meet all regs to get insurance (is this correct?) and that if we don’t pass a saps test the build could be stopped (is that correct?) We have been told a building regs person won’t come to see us until we have a saps calculation done. It seems we need to gather loads of information in order for them to do the calculations and it isn’t information we have. We thought we could decide on things such as our heating and hot water systems once we are at that stage in the build. That’s the way my step dad has always done things. He is concerned that standards have changed and wants a chat with someone from building regs before he proceeds too much, so we are madly trying to find out about things we know nothing about (insulation, water tanks, etc) and also work out what will give us a sap’s calculation that will pass. 

I thought we had to pass this test before we are allowed to proceed? 

 

Posted

I think you need an up to date professional to help you before you go any further with your project.

 

As you have a design done, you could probably hand over to an architectural technologist who can do the detail design and ensure compliance with latest regs. There's been a lot of changes in regs and technology over the last few years and it's very hard to get your head round it all. Good luck.

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Posted

It sounds like you’ve already started,  so you’ll need to call Building Control asap to do the first inspection of your foundations on a Building Notice.

They’ll ask for structural calculations from a structural engineer (SE). 
There is more risk with a BN that you’ll do something which needs to be rectified.
Usually people submit Full Plans drawings for a house so everything is checked before you start.

 

Regarding insurance, you need specialist self build insurance which covers you during the build. You need to explore your responsibilities re Health and Safety etc. You convert to a household policy after completion. You can also purchase a warranty which would be important to a mortgage company. 

 

There’s a lot you need to put in place. 

Posted (edited)

Just seen if you are on the other thread, you might not need to have a SAP test for a conversion, I didn’t, but I one via an on line person for my own interest.

 

The building inspector might want you to open the foundations first inspection and see calculations to show they are adequate.
 

 

Edited by Jilly
Posted
36 minutes ago, K44 said:

Thanks, that’s all really helpful! 
I’m still confused though! 😊

We have a design (layout & structural) done by my stepdad, who is a retired architect. He is also working on the build and has started. He didn’t bother with building regs on his own house and I don’t think Saps existed, so he has just started, but we think we need to meet all regs to get insurance (is this correct?) and that if we don’t pass a saps test the build could be stopped (is that correct?) We have been told a building regs person won’t come to see us until we have a saps calculation done. It seems we need to gather loads of information in order for them to do the calculations and it isn’t information we have. We thought we could decide on things such as our heating and hot water systems once we are at that stage in the build. That’s the way my step dad has always done things. He is concerned that standards have changed and wants a chat with someone from building regs before he proceeds too much, so we are madly trying to find out about things we know nothing about (insulation, water tanks, etc) and also work out what will give us a sap’s calculation that will pass. 

I thought we had to pass this test before we are allowed to proceed? 

 

What planet is your step dad on? Are you sure he was an architect?

 

Stop work now before you spend too much money - you are building at risk and BC will ask you to remove or make good works that do not comply - including insulation standards.

 

Hire someone to do your BC submission drawings and get a SAP done now. Things have definitely changed in relation to insulation standards/airtightness/renewable energy sources/pv and you need to get this right before you go too far.

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Posted
5 minutes ago, Jilly said:

Just seen if you are on the other thread, you might not need to have a SAP test for a conversion, I didn’t, but I one via an on line person for my own interest.

 

The building inspector might want you to open the foundations first inspection and see calculations to show they are adequate.
 

 

Only new builds need a SAP. Your conversion build would have had to comply with the Standards Based Approach for energy conservation. Other approaches are suitable including using SAP to demonstrate this.

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Posted
9 minutes ago, Jilly said:

Just seen if you are on the other thread, you might not need to have a SAP test for a conversion, I didn’t, but I one via an on line person for my own interest.

 

The building inspector might want you to open the foundations first inspection and see calculations to show they are adequate.
 

 

It really is a pain in the arse when someone calls our office for an inspection and when I get there the concrete foundations have been poured. We just shrug our shoulders and tell them to employ a structural engineer to confirm that the ground is suitable to take the load. That normally focuses the mind and I usually don’t have to remind someone of their statutory obligation to allow BC to inspect the works.

Posted

ETC. To clarify, the building is an existing old stone barn. It is structurally sound. It is being converted to a dwelling. 
Are we officially a new build or a conversion? 
 

Posted

There is no need to use SAP to show compliance if converting a barn or other building. The standards outlined In Appr Doc L1 for U-values, heating system efficiencies etc should be followed. A  'new build' SAP assessment is needed on completion but only to generate the EPC, there is no pass or fail associated with this step. This SAP assessment will account for heat gains and losses from the glazing but overheating is not assessed (see other thread).

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