Builders of one-off homes can opt out of regulations from Tuesday

Builders of one-off houses can from Tuesday opt out of building control regulations introduced last year to protect homeowners from shoddy construction work.

Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has decided to remove the mandatory requirement for "statutory certificates of compliance" with building standards to be produced for single unit development or home extensions.

Almost half of all homes built so far this year have been one-off houses.

The regulations, introduced in March of last year by Mr Kelly's predecessor, Phil Hogan, required builders to have assigned certifiers – registered architects, engineers or building surveyors – inspect building works during construction and certify that a finished building complied with building standards.

The regulations brought to an end the system of self-certification that resulted in schemes such as the fire-trap Priory Hall apartment complex being certified as safe.

Mr Kelly said the inspections system imposed too great a cost burden on builders of single homes and “outlandish” fees were being sought by certifiers. “Nobody who invests in their own home would spend money on substandard work, but people should not have to pay at inflated rates for excessive inspection services,” he said.

To ensure that building standards do not slip in respect of these types of builds, a new “fit-for purpose” local authority inspection process will be developed, he said.

A spokesman said details of the new regime for one-off houses were being finalised with the County and City Management Association.