Building Regulations Part O: What New Home Buyers Need to Know About Overheating

As a buyer of a new build home in the UK, you’ve likely heard whispers about recent updates to Building Regulations, particularly the introduction of Part O. But what does this mean for you and your future home? Let’s look into the details and unpack the implications of this new regulation.

Part O is a fresh addition to the Building Regulations that came into effect in June 2022. Its primary focus is on preventing overheating in new residential buildings – a concern that has grown increasingly important in recent years. The core aim of Part O is to ensure that new homes are designed and constructed in a way that limits unwanted solar gains during the warmer months and provides adequate means for removing excess heat when needed.

You might wonder why this regulation has been introduced now. In recent years, there’s been a growing awareness of the risks associated with overheating in homes. As our climate continues to change and we experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, it’s become crucial that our homes can maintain comfortable temperatures without heavy reliance on air conditioning. Overheating isn’t just about comfort – it can lead to serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals, and can make your home unbearable during hot spells.

So, what does Part O mean for your new home? If you’re buying a new build that received planning permission after June 2022, it should comply with Part O regulations. This compliance manifests in several ways throughout your home’s design and construction.

Firstly, your home should have limited solar gain. This means that the size and orientation of windows will have been carefully considered to prevent excessive heat from entering your home. You might notice that south-facing rooms have smaller windows or additional shading features compared to north-facing rooms.

Secondly, adequate ventilation is a key requirement of Part O. Your home should have sufficient means to remove excess heat, typically through strategically placed openable windows or mechanical ventilation systems. This is particularly important in bedrooms and living areas where you spend most of your time.

In high-risk areas, particularly parts of London, additional shading measures may be required. This could include external shutters, overhangs, or specially coated glazing that reduces solar gain while still allowing plenty of natural light into your home.

For more complex home designs, your developer may have used advanced thermal modelling to ensure the home meets the required standards. This involves sophisticated computer simulations that predict how your home will perform in various weather conditions.

While your new home should comply with these regulations, it’s always beneficial to be informed about what to look out for. Pay attention to the size and placement of windows, especially in south-facing rooms. Check that you have adequate means to ventilate your home, particularly in bedrooms and living areas. Look for any additional shading devices like external shutters or overhangs. Some windows may have special coatings to reduce solar gain – your developer should be able to provide information about the glazing specifications used.

At Brickkickers, we understand the importance of ensuring your new home meets all the latest building regulations, including Part O. Our expert snagging inspections can help verify that your home complies with these requirements, giving you peace of mind about your investment. We include thermal imaging surveys as standard in our snagging reports, which can be particularly useful in identifying any issues related to insulation or heat retention that might affect your home’s performance in both hot and cold weather.

It’s important to remember that while Part O is designed to prevent overheating, it’s just one aspect of a well-designed, comfortable home. Our comprehensive snagging inspections cover a wide range of potential issues to ensure your new home is up to the highest standards.

If you’re in the process of buying a new build home and want to ensure it meets all the latest regulations, including Part O, consider reaching out to us at Brickkickers. Our expert team can provide you with the reassurance you need about your new home’s quality and compliance.