What is an Assigned Certifier?

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This is a question we get asked a lot. The definition of an Assigned Certifier according to the Code of Practice (Section 3.5) is:

 

The Assigned Certifier is assigned by the Building Owner as required under the Building Control Regulations. They undertake to inspect, and to co-ordinate the inspection activities of others during construction, and to certify the building or works on completion. The role of Assigned Certifier does not include responsibility for the supervision of any builder. They may or may not be a member of the Design Team.

 

The Assigned Certifier should:

 

(a) Provide and sign the relevant statutory certificates - the form of undertaking at commencement and the Certificate of Compliance on Completion;

 

(b) Co-ordinate the ancillary certification by members of the design team and other relevant bodies for the Certificate of Compliance on Completion;

 

(c) Identify all design professionals and specialists, in conjunction with the Builder, from whom certificates are required;

 

(d) Identify all certificates required and obtain them;

 

(e) Co-ordinate and collate all certification of compliance for completion in conjunction with the Builder;

 

(f) In consultation with the members of the design team, plan and oversee the implementation of the Inspection Plan during Construction;

 

(g) Prepare the Preliminary Inspection Plan and oversee adherence to this plan, and on completion provide the Inspection Plan as implemented;

 

(h) On termination or relinquishment of their appointment make available to the Building Owner all certification prepared and inspection reports carried out;

 

(i) Act as the single point of contact with the Building Control Authority during construction;

 

(j) Seek advice from the Building Control Authority, in respect of compliance matters relating to the building or works where disputes or differences of opinion arise between the parties to the project; and

 

(k) Maintain records of inspection.

 

There is a belief out there that the Assigned Certifier carries out all inspections, stage payment certs etc. during the construction stage, this is not the case. The role of Assigned Certifier deals specifically with compliance with Building Regulations. An Assigned Certifier will insist, and rely heavily, on Ancillary Certs signed by each member of the Design Team (Designer, Design Certifier, Structural Engineer) and Construction Team (Builder, Sub-contractors, Specialist contractors).

 

 

Who can act as an Assigned Certifier?

According to the Code of Practice (Section 4.2.1):

 

The following may be appointed and sign as the Assigned Certifier, provided they are competent in relation to the particular works involved:

 

(a) Architects that are on the register maintained by the RIAI under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; or

 

(b) Building Surveyors that are on the register maintained by the SCSI under Part 5 of the Building Control Act 2007; or

 

(c) Chartered Engineers on the register maintained by Engineers Ireland under Section 7 of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Charter Amendment) Act 1969.

 

 

Emmett Tolan is a Registered Building Surveyor & can undertake the role of Assigned Certifier on that basis.