The SAP Assessment for New Builds
Design Stage
Once the building design is on paper the initial "design stage" SAP assessment should be conducted.
It is at this stage that the assessor can determine a Part L pass or fail
If the dwelling fails the assessment Gen-Assess can then discuss with the client ways for the dwelling to comply with Part L and satisfy the Building Control requirements.
Once Built
Once the building is constructed the mandatory - in some instances - pressure test should be conducted and the results of the pressure test forwarded to the original SAP assessor if possible. A recalculation will be conducted if necessary to clarify the "as built" stage SAP assessment. The SAP Certificate can then be requested.
As Built
Sometimes a dwelling is already built before the "design stage" assessment.
Beware! There is no guarantee the building will pass the Building Regulation Part L compliance. Before Building Control will sign off the building the SAP Assessment must signify compliance - if the dwelling fails the assessment other means to compliance may have to be determined
THIS CAN BE COSTLY FOR THE BUILDER/DESIGNER AND DIFFICULT FOR THE ASSESSOR