INDUSTRY NEWS 5
FMB launches updated builder contracts for post-Building Safety Act requirements
everyone can understand.” The FMB said this transparency helps homeowners: • identify professional, trustworthy builders who operate to recognised standards;
• understand their own legal duties under current Building Regulations;
• avoid disputes by having clear terms agreed upfront and a clear process of what to do if things go wrong;
• verify competence through built-in competency statements;
• protect their investment with legally robust agreements.
The contracts are just 14-15 pages long, signifi cantly shorter than the 0 plus page contracts offered by other organisations,” said FMB. They were developed “in collaboration with legal experts, FMB members, and Building Safety Regulator working groups.”
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has launched a refreshed suite of builder contract templates, updated following the Building Safety Act 2022.
The contracts are “unusual in that they are easy for any homeowner or builder to pick up and understand,” said FMB. They are free of charge for members to use, “compared to other widely used building contracts, which are increasingly costly.” They are designed to protect homeowners while helping professional builders. With building industry licensing under discussion and the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign underway, the trade body said: “Trust in tradespeople is more important than ever.” The contracts provide a “clear marker of professionalism that sets FMB members apart.” Research suggests most homeowners are unaware of their legal responsibilities under the Building Safety Act, including crucial dutyholder roles that can affect project liability and compliance. “Many don’t realise that using a written contract isn’t just good practice, it’s essential protection,” said FMB.
The new contracts are designed to address this gap by “clearly explaining who is responsible for what, in language
Key features of the documents include: • Clear dutyholder role defi nitions under the Building Safety Act.
• Competency statement templates demonstrating skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB).
• Written in ‘Plain English’ throughout – no confusing jargon or legal terminology.
• Flexible payment terms and optional advance/deposit mechanisms.
• Tailored versions for all four UK nations.
• Alignment with the FMB Code of Conduct, which requires members to use written contracts on every job.
Recent FMB member consultations “revealed widespread confusion around the Building Safety Act,” said the builders’ trade body, particularly regarding the Principal Designer role. “Many architects and structural engineers are declining design responsibilities due to insurance limitations, leaving builders and homeowners at risk.”
The new contracts “directly address these issues by clearly defi ning who is responsible for design, construction management, and compliance, protecting all parties from assuming roles they’re not qualifi ed or insured to perform.
The concept masterplan for the site west of Ripon Road in Killinghall, where Bellway is proposing to build around 120 new homes
Bellway Strategic Land has submitted outline plans for a new development of around 120 new homes in the North Yorkshire village of Killinghall. The planning application is for a 16-acre site to the west of Ripon Road, on the northern edge of the village. It includes a large new area of public open space, which would be accessible to residents and the wider community, alongside wildlife areas. The submission to North Yorkshire Council follows public consultation around the proposals which took place earlier this year.
If approved, the development would bring inward investment in the local area through the Community Infrastructure Levy and developer contributions, as well as creating new jobs in construction and supporting local businesses. The development has been designed
to re ect its location in the village, with vehicle access from Ripon Road, and footpaths across the site linking to Maltkiln Lane and Cautley Drive. The largest area of open space would be created to the north of the site. This area will be designated as a biodiversity space with wildlife friendly planting, including a pond to naturally manage surface water and support a variety of habitats. Overall, the project has been developed to create a biodiversity net gain of at least 10% through the retention of extensive hedgerows and trees and the creation of new wildlife habitats.
Bellway’s outline proposals will be considered by North Yorkshire Council. Detailed plans would be submitted at a later stage subject to planning permission.
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
Bellway plans to build 120 homes in North Yorks
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