Document Q: Home Security

In October 2015 a new requirement to building regulations came into force: Part Q Security - Dwellings.

In October 2015 an important change to Building Regulations came into power. It’s one which is principally aimed at new build properties but it’s also going to apply to homeowners planning to extend their property.

It does not apply to work started before 1 October 2015, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date provided the work is started on site before 1 October 2016.

In essence the Government is aiming to repeat what it has achieved on improving energy efficiency now focusing on security. That’s making sure that all new build properties are built to and featuring products which contribute to a new minimum standard, including windows and doors.

Insecure windows and doors are often used as a means of entry into a home according to the Metropolitan Police. Anyone who has been the victim of a break-in knows that it is not just the loss of property and the inconvenience which leaves one feeling violated, but also the feeling of invasion and worse still, the worry that it could happen again.

At Westbury Windows and Joinery we give our unreserved support to such government initiatives to improve home security, and are dedicated to providing the best performing products to our customers.

Part Q Security of the Building Regulations states that ‘doorsets’ [fitted to new build properties] ‘should be manufactured to a design which has been shown to meet the requirements of PAS24:2012. Important to note here is that the definition of ‘new build’ under the regulation extends beyond the construction of new homes to new build home extensions.

Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations defines ‘building work’ as: a. the erection or extension of a building b. the provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting c. the material alteration of a building.

For work on an existing building that did not comply with the applicable requirements of building regulations, Part Q stipulates: ‘the building must be no more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the work was carried out’.

To conclude, if you’re getting an extension built to your home you will need to make sure that the windows and doors you fit are PAS24:2012 compliant or you could fall foul of the Building Regulations.

For further information download the following :
Part Q: Security (Dwellings) [PDF]
Building Regulation Explanatory Booklet [PDF]