What's Happening?
Local councils across the U.S. are preparing to take over building inspection projects previously managed by Assent, a firm that has recently collapsed. The transition is expected to affect between 6,000
and 24,000 projects nationwide. Private sector building control firms are struggling to absorb these projects due to legal and insurance challenges, leaving councils to manage the majority. The situation has prompted government discussions with local authorities and private firms to devise a plan to handle the influx of projects. Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) are working to pick up the slack, but face a tight seven-day deadline to do so. The collapse of Assent has led to stress among property owners who are now required to find new firms to complete their projects.
Why It's Important?
The transfer of projects from Assent to local councils highlights the challenges faced by the private sector in managing building control work, particularly in terms of risk and insurance. This situation underscores the reliance on local authorities to ensure continuity in building inspections and compliance. The impact on property owners is significant, as they may face increased costs and delays in project completion. The broader implications for the construction industry include potential disruptions in project timelines and increased administrative burdens on local councils. This development may also influence future policy discussions on building control and the role of private firms versus public authorities.
What's Next?
Local councils will need to assess their capacity to manage the additional workload and may require additional resources or staffing to handle the influx of projects. The construction industry may see a shift in how building control work is allocated, with potential changes in regulations or policies to address the challenges faced by private firms. Property owners affected by the collapse of Assent will need to navigate the process of finding new building control providers, which may involve renegotiating contracts and managing additional costs. The situation may prompt further discussions on the balance between private and public sector roles in building control.
Beyond the Headlines
The collapse of Assent and the subsequent transfer of projects to local councils may lead to long-term shifts in the building control industry. This situation could prompt a reevaluation of risk management practices and insurance policies within the sector. Additionally, the reliance on local authorities to manage building control work may influence future policy decisions regarding the privatization of such services. The stress experienced by property owners highlights the need for improved communication and support during transitions of this nature.
