The Building Safety Act 2022 centres on Higher Risk Residential Buildings. Commercial offices are largely outside HRRB scope — but specific provisions affect commercial fit-out and records.
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) primarily covers residential buildings 18m+ (seven storeys+) with two or more residential units — 'higher-risk residential buildings' (HRRBs). Commercial offices are largely outside.
However, certain BSA provisions apply to commercial construction:
Although not mandatory for pure commercial, the golden-thread concept — comprehensive digital records of design, construction and compliance — is adopted by institutional commercial owners and insurers as best practice. Fit-out contractors are increasingly expected to deliver golden-thread-compatible handover packs.
PAS 8671/8672 set competence frameworks for principal designers and contractors. Commercial adoption accelerating post-2024.
Digital handover packs with drawings, schedules, commissioning records and compliance certificates — golden-thread compatible. See Office Fit-Out, CDM 2015 article.
Primary BSA provisions focus on HRRBs. CDM 2015 (enforced under BSA) applies to all fit-out. Golden thread is best-practice, not legally required for commercial.
Measured survey and fixed-price quote within 10 working days.