FAQ - Construction & Building
Answers to the most frequently asked questions in the construction and building industry.
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What planning consent is needed to build a new house?
For new residential construction, a Building Permit (Permesso di Costruire in Italy) is required, issued by the local authority after reviewing the full project. Minor works may proceed under simplified regimes (SCIA or CILA in Italy; prior approval or permitted development in other jurisdictions). Always verify local planning regulations before proceeding.
What does an executive design package include?
An executive design package includes: technical narrative report, structural calculation report, architectural and structural drawings (plans, sections, elevations, construction details), bill of quantities, technical specifications, health and safety plan (where required), and energy performance report with preliminary EPC.
Who is responsible for health and safety on a construction site?
Responsibility is shared across multiple duty holders: the Safety Coordinator at Design Stage (CSP) who produces the Safety and Coordination Plan (PSC); the Safety Coordinator at Execution Stage (CSE) who monitors compliance; the main contractor and subcontractors who prepare their own operational safety plans (POS); and the Clerk of Works who verifies correct execution. Reference: EU Directive 92/57/EEC (Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites).
What is structural testing (collaudo statico) and when is it mandatory?
Structural testing certifies that the completed load-bearing structure conforms to the approved structural design. In Italy it is mandatory for all reinforced concrete, steel or structural timber works (D.P.R. 380/2001, Chapter III-bis). It must be performed by an engineer or architect who is independent of the structural designer.
How does the building permit process work?
The process typically involves: submission of a complete project to the municipal planning office, technical and planning review, acquisition of third-party opinions (heritage authority, fire brigade, public health), and a decision to grant or refuse within a statutory period. In Italy the deadline is 90 days (D.P.R. 380/2001 art. 20). The permit grants 1 year to start and 3 years to complete the works, both extendable.
What is the difference between renovation and extraordinary maintenance?
Extraordinary maintenance involves renewal or replacement of structural or service components without altering volume or primary use. Renovation (ristrutturazione edilizia) includes planivolumetric modifications, facade changes or change-of-use that produce a significantly different building. The distinction determines the planning consent required.
How is plot ratio calculated?
Plot ratio (Floor Area Ratio / Indice di Edificabilità) is computed as: FAR = Gross Floor Area (GFA) / Site Area, expressed in m²/m². Volumetric index = Volume / Site Area (m³/m²). Permitted values are set by the local town plan (PRG/PGT) for each planning zone.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and when is it mandatory?
An EPC (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica - APE in Italy) classifies a building's energy performance on a scale from A4 (best) to G (worst) and recommends improvements. It is mandatory in Italy for sales, lettings, donations, new construction and major renovation. In the EU, the EPBD (Directive 2010/31/EU and its recast) requires EPCs across all member states.
What does Eurocode 2 (EN 1992) govern?
EN 1992 governs the design of concrete structures including plain concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete buildings, bridges and other civil engineering works. It covers material properties, ultimate and serviceability limit state verifications, detailing rules and durability requirements.
What service life is expected of a reinforced concrete structure?
The design working life for ordinary structures is 50 years (EN 1990 indicative category 4). For monumental or infrastructure works it is 100 years (category 5). Durability is ensured through appropriate exposure class (EN 206), cement content, water-to-cement ratio and concrete cover.
How does subcontracting work in construction?
Subcontracting involves the main contractor assigning part of the works to third-party firms. Rules differ between private (governed by civil law) and public procurement (governed by the relevant public contracts legislation, e.g. EU Directive 2014/24/EU). Notification to the client, prior approval and limits on the percentage subcontracted are common requirements.
What are the main roles on a construction site?
Key roles include: site manager (capocantiere), bricklayer/mason (muratore), carpenter (carpentiere), steel fixer (ferraiolo), tiler (piastrellista), plumber (idraulico), electrician (elettricista), welder (saldatore), plant operator. Each must hold mandatory training certificates under applicable health and safety law (e.g. D.Lgs. 81/2008 in Italy; CSCS scheme in the UK).
What is BIM and why is it required for public construction in Europe?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative process based on 3D digital models containing graphical and data attributes of all building components. Several EU member states progressively mandate BIM for public procurement above certain thresholds. In Italy, D.Lgs. 36/2023 (Public Contracts Code) introduces progressive BIM obligations aligned with EN ISO 19650.
How is asbestos managed during demolition?
Before demolition of buildings constructed before the national asbestos ban (1994 in Italy; 1999 in the EU under Directive 1999/77/EC), a survey for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) by qualified surveyors is mandatory. Removal must be performed by licensed contractors with regulatory notifications to the competent health authority. ACM demolition waste is classified hazardous waste.
What insurance cover is required on a construction site?
Minimum insurance typically includes: employer's liability and public liability (RC professionale/RCT/RCO), workers' personal accident insurance and, for public contracts, a Construction All Risks (CAR) policy and performance bond. For residential construction, 10-year structural defects insurance (décennale in France; polizza decennale postuma in Italy) protects owners after handover.