BUILDING SERVICES
BUILD TESTING
Premier Snag offer a wide range of build testing services for both residential properties and commercial operators. Our experienced team can assess your property and ensure it meets building regulation standards.
AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING
Air Tightness Testing (also known as air permeability testing, air leakage testing or air pressure testing) is a mandatory requirement for new buildings under Part L of the Building Regulations. An air tightness test involves measuring the level of uncontrolled air flow through a commercial or residential building to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
To calculate air tightness we will temporarily seal openings to the property installing a large fan to record changes in air pressure and identify any leakages, gaps or cracks in the fabric of a building.
Our technicians work through a thorough checklist to help determine whether your building is airtight and meets requirements. Whilst we are conducting an air-tightness test, other contractors can continue work within the property, however, all windows and doors must remain closed for the duration of the test. If any part of the air test fails we also offer sealing and guaranteed pass services.
WATER EFFICIENCY REPORTING
Water Efficiency Reporting (also known as water efficiency calculations) is a requirement under Part G of the building regulations when building or converting a residence. The report will examine your predicted home water consumption rates and assess whether they meet domestic building control regulations.
The regulations state that the standard water usage should not exceed 125 litres per person per day. To achieve this we will review your building plans and assess flow rate information for all high water usage appliances and fittings including bathroom showers/baths/ toilets, kitchen white goods and tap outlets.
Our report will provide you with the required documentation to present to building control. If your property water efficiency calculations do not meet the required regulation levels we will offer recommendations to achieve a pass and increase water efficiency saving measures.
PHASE 1 DESK STUDY REPORTING
A Phase 1 Desk Study is a risk assessment ground report for any building development site and is often required as part of the local authority planning permission process.
The phase one report provides a site development risk assessment, compiling all available information in relation to a proposed site’s environmental, geological and hydrological impact. We will advise on any planning history of the site along with any potential land contamination, subsidence, environmental considerations and flood risks.
Our land investigation report will provide you with the required documentation to present to local planning authorities. If we uncover any potential issues we will advise on any potential remediation strategies.
VENTILATION TESTING
All residential new-build and home conversion projects will require ventilation testing under Part F of building regulations.
The regulations state that all kitchen intermittent extractor fans must extract at least 30 litres of air per second and for bathrooms, the airflow rate of an intermittent extraction unit must extract at least 15 litres of air per second. Residential buildings must also have an adequate overall ventilation standard rate.
Our domestic ventilation testing checks are carried out using UKAS calibrated equipment and if any part of the test fails we will advise on potential remedies.
SOUND INSULATION TESTING
If you’re planning a development in an existing residential area, you will need to conduct a noise survey (also known as acoustic insulation or sound barrier testing) to comply with the National Planning Policy Framework and British Standards and Good Practice Documents.
Our residential sound and vibration survey will investigate all possible airborne and impact noise sources; whether they’re related to transport, building services or people. We break down the data into a timeline, to measure the potential daytime and night-time average noise levels to better understand the acoustic footprint of the proposed development.
Our report will provide you with the required documentation to present to local home planning authorities under Part E of building regulations. If we uncover any potential insulation/ soundproofing performance issues we will advise on any potential remediation strategies.