Testing exemption for approved design details

The Building Regulations Northern Ireland 2012 apply to building work to which Part G applies, and require appropriate sound insulation testing to be carried out. The exception is that, in the case of new-build houses and buildings containing flats and maisonettes, testing will not apply to any relevant part of the building where the design embodies a design detail or details from the set approved and published by Robust Details Ltd; a valid notification is given to the district council; and the actual work complies with the detail or details specified in the notification. Subject to this exception, which is further explained in Appendix D: Design details approved by Robust Details Ltd, it is the view of the Department that where testing applies it will be met through the implementation of a programme of sound insulation testing according to the guidance set out in Section1: Pre-completion testing, of this Technical Booklet. It is possible for a builder to opt to use design details approved by Robust Details Ltd in only some of the relevant separating structures in a new house or building containing flats and maisonettes, with the other relevant separating structures remaining subject to testing. It is recommended that expert advice is sought to ensure compatibility of constructions where Robust Details Ltd design details are used in conjunction with details designed by others.