When is the Design Stage Assessment carried out?

The Design Stage assessment is carried out on the detailed design of each dwelling often at the Building Regulations or production information stages (RIBA Stages A-G). As Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors, we require more detailed specification information than normally required to achieve Full Plans approval in relation to the Building Regulations because the Code for Sustainable Homes covers many more aspects of the performance of the dwelling.

At this design stage report, the site related credits can also be assessed. Details of any landscaping and ecological enhancement, as well as drainage information will be required by us as Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor.

How do we add value as a Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor?

Rather than being reactive assessors we work pro-actively as a core member of the design team, including liaising with the client at the earliest stages so that the integration of the Code for Sustainable Homes requirements (including the mandatory credits) are done as efficiently as possible. From the initial meetings, and prior to any Design Stage Assessment, we would develop proposals with the team to ensure that the easy win, high value tradable credits are incorporated and that the difficult and expensive credits are not required.

We will also work with the team to collate, ensure and check that the information provided to complete the Design Stage Assessment is appropriate, efficient and robust to ensure a seamless and prompt certification process.

When we, as a Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor are happy the requirements and performance of the code are met we will submit the Design Stage Assessment to enable the Design Stage or Interim Code Certificate can be issued. The Design Stage report will be collated to include an audit trail linking the various pieces of information, specifications, drawings, reports and other evidence etc.

Summary for the Design Stage Assessment or Design Stage Report

In summary the Design Stage Assessment provides an interim certificate confirming that the dwelling (s) has been designed to achieve the particular level of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The planning system and the Code for Sustainable Homes in North Wales (as well as many other types of Council) require that the Design Stage Report certificate is provided before construction works are commenced on site (pre-commencement condition). Various pieces of evidence and supporting information are required to facilitate certification; please click for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your expert Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor to discuss your project.