What Has Changed in the Building Regulations?
The latest amendments to the Building Regulations have redefined accountability in construction.
They formalise the roles of the Principal Designer (PD), Principal Contractor (PC), and Client, each with clear, enforceable duties.
The aim is simple: to make sure safety and compliance are embedded throughout every project — from concept and design right through to completion.
These changes follow recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Building Safety Act, both of which highlighted serious gaps in responsibility and coordination across the industry.
Now, every project covered by the Building Regulations — from large commercial or speculativebuilds to smaller domestic extensions — must appoint competent duty holders in writing before work begins.
When Do These Rules Apply?
The updated framework applies to any project that requires Building Regulations approval.
That includes:
• New builds
• Extensions and refurbishments
• Conversions or change of use
Both domestic and non-domestic projects are covered, so even small-scale works, if they require relevant works covered by the Building Regulkations, will fall under the new requirements.
If your local building control authority needs to be notified, you must legally appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, and identify the Client responsible for overseeing compliance.
Principal Designer Responsibilities Under Building Regulations
The appointed as the Principal Designer must be a person with meaningful control over the project’s design and be able to demonstrate and show their competenancy to complete their role.
This could be an architect, engineer, or chartered surveyor — but it must be someone with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.
Their role is to:
• Ensure that all design work complies with every part of the Building Regulations
• Identify and resolve conflicts between different design elements (for example, structural and fire safety)
• Coordinate the design team to maintain compliance across disciplines
• Communicate effectively with the Principal Contractor and Client throughout the project
In short, the Principal Designer ensures that nothing drawn on paper becomes a problem on site.
Under the new regime, accepting an appointment ad the Principal Designer or Principal Contractor, without the riquired level of competence to undertake and complete the work can result in enforcement action — so it’s essential to appoint a qualified professional.
If you’re unsure who that should be, a building surveyor can help assess suitability and compliance.
Principal Contractor Responsibilities Under Building Regulations
The Principal Contractor oversees the construction phase.
Typically, this is the main contractor, but whoever holds the role must prove they have the necessary competence to plan, manage, and monitor the works.
Their duties include:
• Ensuring all construction activities comply with the approved design and Building Regulations
• Coordinating subcontractors and specialists to maintain standards
• Sharing relevant information with the Principal Designer in a timely manner
• Ensuring the Client understands their own responsibilities
The Principal Contractor is the link between design and delivery — translating plans into reality while keeping compliance front and centre.
They must also ensure that site operations, materials, and workmanship meet the approved standards, reducing the risk of defects and enforcement notices later.
Client Responsibilities: What Property Owners Need to Know
Clients now play a far more active role in the process.
Under the amended regulations, clients must:
• Appoint a competent Principal Designer and Principal Contractor in writing, before work starts
• Ensure those duty holders understand and are capable of meeting their obligations
• Provide all relevant project information at the right time
• Put arrangements in place for planning, managing, and monitoring compliance
The client sets the tone for the project. Failing to meet these obligations can result in regulatory penalties, enforcement action, or costly rework.
In practical terms, it means clients can no longer take a hands-off approach. They’re now a formal duty holder, responsible for the framework that keeps the entire project compliant and potential legal consequences if they fail to do so.
Why These Changes Matter
For years, a lack of clarity around who was responsible for compliance led to inconsistent outcomes — and in some cases, tragic consequences.
The revised Building Regulations aim to close that gap by:
• Making accountability explicit at every stage
• Ensuring competence is demonstrable and verifiable
• Embedding compliance as a continuous process, not a final tick-box exercise
You might recognise these titles from the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).
However, while the roles sound similar, the duties under Building Regulations are separate and distinct and failure to comply with these duties have serious and explicit legal implications.
Competence and Accountability Across the Project Team
Every duty holder must be able to show they have the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to fulfil their role.
If they can’t, they shouldn’t accept the appointment.
This requirement raises professional standards across the industry. It is there to ensure that only suitably qualified individuals take on key roles — reducing the risk of non-compliance and improving overall quality.
For example, at Harrison Clarke, our chartered surveyors regularly advise on compliance matters, coordinate design input, and act as Principal Designers on complex schemes to help clients meet their obligations safely and efficiently.
What These Changes Mean in Practice
Here are the key takeaways for anyone commissioning, designing, or managing building works:
1. Formal appointments of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor are now mandatory for any project that requires Building Control approval.
2. Competence must be able to be demonstrable and evidenced, not assumed.
3. Clients must take proactive responsibility for oversight and coordination.
4. Continuous monitoring of Building Regulation compliance is expected throughout the project lifecycle.
These reforms signal a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive management — driving better safety, quality, and accountability across the construction sector.
Building Better Through Clarity and Responsibility
The new Building Regulations mark a positive step forward for the industry.
By clearly defining responsibilities for the Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, and Client, they help ensure that every project meets its legal and safety obligations from start to finish.
Whether you’re managing a small refurbishment or a large development, understanding these duties — and appointing the right people — will protect both your investment and your reputation.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your project, the team at Harrison Clarke Chartered Building Surveyors can help you understand your obligations and appoint the right professionals to stay compliant.
For more expert advice on surveying and property matters, check out our range of informative videos on our website or YouTube channel. Harrison Clarke Chartered Surveyors is here to guide you every step of the way!
At the time of writing, we have a total of 149 reviews across Trustpilot and Google. We are proud to say that the average rating is over 4.9/5.
