This article will explore how to measure the number of storeys and how this effects the Technical Manual, when our engineers need to be involved with your project and when the Major Projects team need to be involved.

 

How to measure storey heights

 

A storey is defined as the space between two consecutive floors or a floor and a roof. The number of storeys should be counted from the lowest external ground level. Figure 1 shows an example of a 5 storey building as the ground floor is counted as a storey.

Please note, this is only in relation to our warranty guidance and not for using in connection with Building Regulation assessments (for Building Regulation queries, advice should be sought from the Building Control Body).

 

How this effects our Technical Manual

 

The guidance within the Technical Manual is primarily for low rise construction and in the introduction page of our Technical Manual, we define low rise construction as ‘Buildings of 5 storey or lower – including the ground floor level’.

So in simple terms, that is Ground, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors. See 'Figure 1' below for a visual explanation.

 

When do our engineers need to be involved?

 

The number of storeys for a given development will also trigger when a structural referral will need to be carried out by our engineers. For a full list of situations where a structural referral is required and for the most up to date guidance on structural referrals, please refer to the Operations and Guidance Manual.

Examples include but not exclusive:

• 4 and 5 storey buildings on bored piles (automatically referred from CSU)
• 5 storey buildings (automatically referred from CSU)
• Framed structures on buildings of 4 storeys or more (manual referrals by RMS)

 

When do our Major Projects team need to be involved?

 

Our Major Projects team get involved at 6 storeys and above.

 

Figure 1:

 

 

 

Notes:

1. Our Major Projects team get involved at 6 storeys and above
2. For warranty purposes: To count the number of storeys in a building or separated part of a building, count only at the
   position which gives the greatest number and exclude any basement storeys (the Building Regulations have additional
   guidance for separated buildings).

 

 

 

Early Engagement Consultancy 

 

Because we cooperate with your team from the initial concept and design stage, we have a deeper understanding of your needs and objectives.

Our streamlined approach integrates with your major project objectives and your team.

With our Early Engagement Consultancy we can risk assess your high-rise project against warranty requirements before you place it through Gateway 2.

Speak to us today about making this a reality for your next project.

 

 

Maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness from the outset with our Early Engagement Consultancy. 

 

By integrating our expert services early in your project timeline, you not only ensure compliance and quality but also unlock a host of benefits including:

 

• Locked-in prices: Take advantage of early procurement to secure materials and services at today’s rates, protecting your budget against inflation and market fluctuations
• On-time delivery: Align your project's schedule with material availability and workforce planning, minimising delays and guaranteeing a smoother path to completion
• Trust and value: Early and consistent expert involvement boosts confidence among stakeholders and financiers in your project
• Advanced risk mitigation: Benefit from comprehensive risk assessments and proactive mitigation strategies that prevent costly setbacks and ensure regulatory compliance

 

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Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication (August 2024). Guidance provided does not replace the reader’s professional judgement and any construction project should comply with the relevant Building Regulations or applicable technical standards. For the most up to date Premier Guarantee technical guidance please refer to your Risk Management Surveyor and the latest version of the Premier Guarantee Technical Manual.
Ref: TS-3652