The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) is one of the most significant legislative reforms in UK construction in recent years. While much of the focus has been on high-rise residential buildings, the Act also introduces fundamental changes that affect homeowners looking to build a new house, extend their property, or undertake a conversion.
If you’re planning a project, it’s essential to understand how the BSA might impact your responsibilities, the role of professionals you hire, and the regulatory processes you must navigate. In this article, we’ll break down the key changes and what they mean for homeowners.
1. A New Approach to Safety and Compliance
The BSA strengthens regulatory oversight across all types of building work, with a particular focus on ensuring competence, accountability, and proper documentation.
Key Impact for Homeowners:
If your project requires Building Regulations approval, you will see increased scrutiny on compliance.
You will likely have to provide better evidence of safety considerations in your design and construction process.
Professionals working on your project must meet higher competency standards.
2. The Role of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
Under the new Act, the roles of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor are now legally required for all projects where more than one contractor is involved (which applies to most extensions, conversions, and new builds).
Who Are These Professionals?
Principal Designer: Responsible for ensuring the design meets health and safety requirements from conception to completion.
Principal Contractor: Ensures safe construction practices and compliance during the build.
What This Means for Homeowners:
If your project involves multiple contractors (e.g., builders, electricians, plumbers), you must appoint a competent Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.
These professionals must have the right skills, knowledge, and experience—you cannot simply delegate this role to anyone.
There will be more documentation and safety assessments to complete before and during construction.
3. The “Golden Thread” of Information
The Golden Thread of Information is a key concept introduced by the BSA. This means that all safety-related information about your project must be accurate, up to date, and digitally accessible throughout its lifecycle.
How This Affects Your Project:
For larger extensions or conversions, you may need to maintain a detailed record of materials, construction methods, and safety considerations.
Architectural Designers, builders, and engineers must provide proper documentation for your records.
If you sell your home later, you may need to provide this safety and compliance history to the new owner.
4. Stricter Building Control Regulations
The BSA strengthens Building Control oversight, ensuring inspectors have the power to enforce compliance.
What Changes for You:
If you use a private building inspector, they must now be registered under a stricter framework.
Higher scrutiny on plans and on-site work means delays could happen if compliance issues arise.
Risk-based inspections may mean additional site visits depending on the complexity of your project.
5. Implications for Homeowners Acting as Developers
If you are self-managing your project or working with a contractor who isn’t fully overseeing everything, be aware:
You may be legally responsible for ensuring Principal Designer and Principal Contractor roles are properly assigned.
Any failures in safety, design, or documentation could lead to delays, fines, or legal repercussions.
More paperwork and regulatory steps may be required before work can begin.
6. What About Smaller Projects?
Not all changes will significantly impact small domestic projects, but if your project requires Building Regulations approval, the new rules will apply.
For example:
A simple loft conversion might not trigger extensive BSA requirements.
A large two-storey extension with multiple contractors will likely require strict adherence to the new duty holder roles.
Even for smaller works, expect more attention on competency, record-keeping, and compliance.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Compliant
The Building Safety Act 2022 ensures safer and more accountable construction practices. For homeowners, this means: Hiring competent professionals who understand their legal duties.
Maintaining proper records to prove compliance.
Expecting greater scrutiny from Building Control and regulatory authorities.
While the Act adds complexity, it also improves quality and safety standards—ensuring your investment in a new build, extension, or conversion is sound, compliant, and future-proof.
Jbh Architectural Services 
Leave a comment