The Robust Details Certification Scheme was set up to provide architects and engineers a clear and business savvy way to comply with building standards. The scheme is designed to help when separating walls and floors in certain types of dwelling. Typically, this scheme is used for houses that are multiple occupancy, joined houses or flats.
The scheme serves as an alternative to the more traditional pre-completion sound testing. The Robust Details Certification Scheme of the streamlined and efficient process and satisfies Part E of the mandatory building stipulations.
Part E of the mandatory building stipulations focus on sound travelling from one property to another.
This means that the Robust Details Certification scheme supports home builders to properly design and build their properties in a way that prevents sound from travelling too much. This is important for homeowners because not meeting these mandatory stipulations will mean that their home is subject to a lot of noise pollution from the nearby or joined properties.
How does it work?
Robust Details Limited operates as a non-profit company that distributes and manages their Robust Details certification scheme.
The scheme is financed by the fees paid by users. Users pay a fee and register with the scheme via the website. They must register their plot of land before construction begins. Users also need to notify Building Control themselves as part of the process. They will need to construct the details according to the specification shown in the scheme handbook.
The scheme then carries out random checks on registered plots to ensure compliance. The scheme has a very high compliance rate with over 98% meeting or exceeding the minimum standards since 2004. In addition, no property that has been built in compliance with the Robust Details Limited scheme has ever failed.
Why use the Robust Details Certification Scheme?
One of the big benefits of registering with the scheme is the business-friendly solution it provides to those within the industry (source: ProperEaze).
In addition, property owners’ can have peace of mind knowing that their property is Constructed and tested within the necessary standards. This will give homeowners extra confidence when they’re considering whether to buy the property.
As a home builder, the scheme can provide a cost-effective way to meet building compliances. The scheme should help you to avoid handover delays and has the potential to massively decrease your compliance costs.
Especially on remote building sites and properties that have a small number of joined dwellings, the scheme can help a home builder to meet the requirements clearly and simply.
The scheme means that you can easily meet the legal requirements a developer needs to consider when building a new property, as part of their budgeting; for example if they need to borrow money as part of any property purchase or home improvement works that may be undertaken.
When is the scheme not suitable?
This specific scheme is only suitable for new builds. The Robust Details Certification scheme cannot be used for conversions, building renovations or any kind of property extension.
Can properties fail compliance inspections?
Absolutely, yes. properties can fail inspections under the Robust Details Certification scheme. Properties that have been built to the specifications of the handbook provided by the scheme will not fail.
However, if guidelines have not been followed and specifications have not been met the property will fail its inspection. Where tests do fail, the building control body is informed, and may require that remedial work is undertaken and/or pre-completion sound testing.
Because building a property is so complex and there are so many stipulations to be met, it’s impossible to guarantee whether a property will be compatible with all other parts of the building regulations and building standards.
However, closely following the Robust Details Certification scheme handbook should ensure that your property is in compliance with part E of the mandatory building stipulations.
