WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION
Most people who work in the construction industry are self employed; small business owners or sub contractors.
The opportunity for work in this industry is as strong as ever; and despite changes in technologies and moves to automation employment opportunities in building trades will probably always be strong.
Not only do new buildings need to be constructed; but old buildings always offer maintenance, renovation and repair work opportunities.
Some types of work are regulated, more so in some jurisdictions than others, and it is important to understand what can an cannot be done without planning, approvals and inspections.
There are always other work opportunities (particularly smaller jobs) which can be done without the complication of needing to meet legal requirements.
Legal Requirements
All sorts of different laws exist to regulate the construction of buildings and permanent structures. In many countries, building work is highly regulated whereas in some others there is less regulation. Generally speaking, the more developed countries tend to have tighter controls over construction work through laws and regulations.
Some jurisdictions are more likely to prosecute if regulations are breached; while others may not prosecute unless they receive serious complaints. However, it is prudent to be aware of local regulations if you are going to undertake any building work. You should always seek council approval before undertaking any major construction work.
Building regulations are normally specific to a particular type of construction, for instance:
- Regulations which commonly apply to buildings used for accommodation e.g. homes, hotels, hostels.
- Regulations for commercial properties which are non-residential e.g. offices, warehouses.
- Regulations for buildings used by members of the public e.g. shops, restaurants.
Regulations may be less stringent for construction of a garden shed compared to a factory or house. Landscape constructions (e.g. garden walls) may also be less regulated but in some places there will be restrictions (e.g. in some jurisdictions it may be illegal to build walls above a specified height without a permit). In many places, a building permit may be required to construct a garden wall or shed.
Generally speaking, it is usually fine to build small scale projects but larger scale projects will need council approval. Anything which requires council approval will need to be constructed by someone in possession of a building permit. If in doubt, check first with your local council. They can fine you and insist that a construction is demolished if you don't seek approval.
What Is Regulated?
Regulations may cover not only construction, but also demolition, renovation or conversion of buildings. You may need to obtain a permit before you can alter a building in any way whatsoever. Permits normally specify very clearly what can be constructed or altered, and the way in which it can be constructed or altered.
Regulatory authorities will usually require plans to be submitted and approved in order to clearly specify what work is intended. After the plan is approved, the regulatory authority will commonly require inspections of the work to be carried out at certain stages of the work. Approval of work at a particular stage may be required before work can progress to the next stage.
Construction may require building inspections and approvals at various stages throughout a construction, before work can proceed to the next stage. Typically, foundations may need approval before anything can be built on that foundation.
Building regulations relating to foundations generally insist that the construction should:
- Sustain and safely transmit to the ground the dead load, imposed load and wind load so as to not cause movement which could cause instability or damage.
- Be deep enough to withstand swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil.
- Be able to resist attack by sulphates or other matter in the soil.
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