Your Home Renovation Just Got Safer: What the New Building Safety Rules Mean for You

Written by Nancy Kimberley, Architect and RIBA-accredited Principal Designer, specialising in listed buildings and bespoke homes across the Cotswolds and Wiltshire.

If you’re planning an extension, renovation, or significant works to your home, there are important new rules you need to know. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 and changes to the Building Regulations have reshaped how projects are managed — and this applies not just to tower blocks, but to almost all building work requiring Building Regulations approval, including private homes.

These rules introduce clearer accountability, more robust safety checks, and new roles called Dutyholders to ensure compliance from start to finish.

Who Counts as a “Domestic Client”?

You’re a domestic client if the work is purely for your own home (or a family member’s). If it’s for business purposes — such as an office, a rental property, or a development — you don’t fall under this category.

Meet the Dutyholders

The law now requires key roles on every project:

• The Client (You) – You remain ultimately responsible for ensuring the project is properly planned, resourced, and compliant.

• Principal Designer (PD) – Manages and coordinates design work to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. Always required if a Building Control application is made.

• Principal Contractor (PC) – Oversees construction work on site, ensuring it’s built to regulations.

• Designers & Contractors – Must each ensure their own work is compliant.

If you don’t formally appoint a PD or PC, the law automatically assigns those responsibilities to the main designer or contractor — which is why it’s vital to make appointments in writing.

What This Means for Homeowners

• You’re not a passenger – While professionals carry most duties, you still need to engage, appoint the right people, and allocate realistic time and fees.

• Competence matters – Dutyholders must prove their skills and experience. Check qualifications and knowledge of the new rules.

• More documentation – Expect clearer records and compliance statements at project completion. False declarations are a criminal offence.

• Costs & timelines – These added responsibilities may increase fees and programme length, but they also reduce risks and improve quality.

If your project is part of a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) — such as a flat in a high-rise — stricter “gateway” checks and record-keeping apply.

My Role as Your Principal Designer

To better support clients through these changes, I recently completed the RIBA Principal Designer Course. This training equips me with the latest knowledge and practical tools to fulfil the PD role — planning, managing, and monitoring design to keep your project safe and compliant.

By formally appointing me as your PD, you can be confident your renovation is guided by a professional who understands the legal duties, coordinates the design team, and ensures all compliance requirements are met.

Tips for a Safe & Smooth Project

1. Appoint early – Secure your PD and PC in writing at the outset.

2. Choose competence – Only work with experienced professionals who can evidence compliance.

3. Stay informed – Know your responsibilities and ask questions.

4. Allocate resources – Proper safety and documentation require realistic fees and time.

5. Keep records – Ensure you receive and retain the compliance documents for your home’s future.

The Building Safety Act marks a cultural shift in UK construction — putting safety, accountability, and quality at the heart of every project. For domestic clients, it means greater assurance that your home is designed and built to the highest standard.

Ready to start your renovation with confidence? As both your Architect and Principal Designer, I can guide you through the new Building Safety rules and ensure your home is designed and built to the highest standard. Click to 'contact us' button below to discuss your project.

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