A Guide to Photographic Evidence in Part L 2021
A requirement under the new Part L (2021) of the building regulations is the obligation to record photographic evidence of the as built construction details. This evidence needs to be authorised by your energy assessor and the building control body before sign off of the construction can occur and before an EPC can be lodged.
Key points to remember before taking the photographs;
- These photos need to be digital
- Geo-location needs to be shown to prove date and location of each image.
- Each construction detail in each plot needs a separate image.
- Clear and quality images must be used
- More than one image may be needed to show a detail
- Keep the evidence organised
What you need to Photograph;
A photograph per detail for each individual plot/development is required. Plot numbers should be included as the reference to the part of the building. For example, for Plot 1 the eaves detail the image file should be name P1/3b.
Under Section B7 of the approved document, it details the typical details you will be required to provide as evidence. It is as follows
- Foundations/substructure and ground floor, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation in the following places:
At ground floor perimeter edge insulation.
b. At external door threshold.
c. Below damp-proof course on external walls.
2. External walls: for each main wall type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation for the following.
a. Ground floor to wall junction.
b. Structural penetrating elements.
3. Roof: for each main roof type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation at the following.
a. Joist/rafter level.
b. Eaves and gable edges.
4. Openings: for each opening type (one image per wall or roof type is sufficient), to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation with photographs of the following:
a. Window positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line.
b. External doorset positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line
5. Airtightness: additional photographs for all details 1–4 to show airtightness details (only if not included or visible in continuity of insulation image).
6. Building services: for all plant associated with space heating, hot water, ventilation and low or zero carbon technology equipment within or on the building, show the following:
a. Plant/equipment identification label(s), including make/model and serial number.
b. Primary pipework continuity of insulation.
c. Mechanical ventilation ductwork continuity of insulation (for duct sections outside the thermal envelope).
Why is this necessary now;
Previously a signed EPC Confirmation sheet was needed to confirm the details of the construction, all self-declared by the developer. This has led to some discrepancies in new builds and has led to the energy consumption of a property being different to of that which was calculated.
This requirement is to ensure the as-built construction truly reflects the design stage SAP calculations. Ensuring the quality and installation for the building fabric and services. These photographs will be given to the buyer of the new house as evidence to show how the details of the construction of their property.
How we are here to help;
We are offering a service to review the images at each stage of the construction, so when you take an image, we can confirm whether it shows enough detail to pass before continuing with construction. If left to the end of construction, it may result in needing to either deconstruct elements or do an invasive investigation to provide an image that will comply with the approved documents.
Figure 1- 1A- Ground floor perimeter edge insulation
Figure 2 – 2B- Structural penetrating elements
Figure 3 – 6C – Mechanical ventilation ductwork continuity of insulation (for duct sections outside the thermal envelope)
