Request a quote
Thanks for getting in touch
Residential Knowledge
Welcome to our residential knowledge base focused on UK housing compliance and delivering homes that meet Building Regulations first time. Here, you’ll find clear, practical guidance on Part L (SAP calculations and fabric performance), Part O overheating, Part F ventilation testing, and Part G water efficiency.
Whether you're working on a single dwelling, a housing development, or a complex conversion, our content is built around real project delivery. We explain how to achieve compliance efficiently from early design and planning through to airtightness testing and final sign-off—without unnecessary redesigns or hidden costs.
Stay up to date with the latest residential requirements, including Part L 2021, photographic evidence (BREL/BRUKL), and the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, with insights tailored specifically for architects, developers, and housebuilders.
CIBSE TM59 (2026) Update: What Developers Need to Know About the New Overheating Methodology
Whether you are developing a new apartment block in London or undertaking a development of residential units in Southampton, managing overheating risk has become a critical compliance hurdle. The UK's changing climate and the drive for highly insulated, airtight homes have made summer thermal comfort a primary design consideration. Since its introduction in 2017, CIBSE TM59 has been the standard methodology for assessing overheating risk in dwellings using dynamic thermal modelling. Now, the release of CIBSE TM59: 2026 introduces significant updates that will directly impact how developers and architects approach building design.
Read more
Part L Photographic Evidence: A Guide to BREL Report Compliance for UK Developers
Whether you are developing a new residential estate in Basingstoke, building a single detached home in Surrey, or constructing a block of flats in Birmingham, the days of relying solely on trust for energy performance sign-off are over. The introduction of the Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report has fundamentally shifted the compliance landscape, making mandatory photographic evidence a critical hurdle for developers and site managers.
Read more
Is Part F Extractor testing holding up your New Build or Conversion
Under UK Building Regulations Approved Document F, extractor testing is a mandatory compliance requirement for all new-build dwellings and conversions. Failing to plan, install, and test extract systems correctly can lead to failed building control sign-offs, expensive retrofits, and even long-term damp and mould issues.
Read more
Bridging the Gap: Why Energy Consulting is Critical for Part L Compliance Between Design and As-Built
Why is energy consulting support essential between the design and as-built stages of a construction project? Professional energy consulting ensures that any on-site material changes, cost engineering, or air testing results do not compromise Part L compliance, while advising on the strict new Part L photographic evidence required to secure final building sign-off.
Read more
The Part L vs Part O Collision – Why Overheating Compliance is Ruining Your SAP Calculations
How Solving Overheating (Part O) is Causing Your New Build to Fail Part L
In June 2022, the Building Regulations introduced Approved Document O (Overheating) to address the growing risk of high internal temperatures in new homes. While the intention is sound, the reality on the ground has created a significant compliance headache for developers and architects.
Part L 2026 Future Homes Standard – A simplified Guide
The 2026 update to Approved Document L Volume 1 marks the next step toward Net Zero, with all New build houses to be net zero ready. Meaning that homes built from 2027 will not need major upgrades to be able to achieve net zero
Read more
Part O Overheating Guidance for Architects (Simplified Route)
Understanding the Simplified Method and why this is often the sensible compliance route. This guide explains how the Part O simplified method works, why it is often misunderstood, and when dynamic modelling becomes necessary.
Read more
Important Update: Future Homes Standard & Home Energy Model Timeline
Government has confirmed that the forth coming Future Homes Standard will initially use SAP 10.3 only, for the foreseeable future, for calculating compliance, with HEM becoming available as an approved methodology at a later date, as yet unconfirmed.
Read more
Air Tightness Testing for Residential Buildings
A Complete Guide for UK Developers - Discover everything you need to know about air tightness testing for residential buildings in the UK. From Building Regulations compliance to testing procedures, costs, and common failures - expert guidance from Energy Report Limited.
Read more
What Are SAP Calculations? A Clear Guide for Architects, Developers and Self Builders
If you’re planning a new build, extension, or residential conversion, understanding SAP calculations early can save time, cost, and compliance risk later in the project.
Read more
Over-Glazed Extensions and Part L Compliance
Large areas of glazing are one of the most desirable features in modern extensions. Many people are not aware there are requirements under Building Regulation Part L that set out the maximum allowable glazed area. Planning an extension with more than the 25% allowance, read on.
Read more
