Maintenance issues

Legislative requirements or government policies may drive the content of a planned maintenance plan.

For housing, the Decent Homes Standard had a significant impact on planned maintenance policy (for example, the target for all social housing to meet the decency standard by 2010).

Building Regulations Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings and Buildings 2006 has implications for certain works. Part L1B Fuel and Power in Existing Dwellings requires that renovation of thermal elements should be taken as an opportunity to improve the thermal insulation. For example, where a roof covering is to be replaced, the element should be insulated to achieve a target U-value. The requirement is tempered with some common sense limits in that it needs to be technically or functionally feasible, with no increased risk of condensation or have a simple payback period of less than 15 years. Where this is not achievable the thermal performance should be upgraded to the best standard feasible. Separate criteria apply to buildings of special historical or architectural interest.

Many maintenance or major replacement activities are exempt from the requirement to give building notices or deposit full plans where the person carrying out the work is competent and authorised to self certify the works (e.g. installation of a heat producing gas appliance or installation of a lighting system or electrical heating system).