In the architecture and construction industries, obtaining building regulation approval is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. Traditionally, this process involved extensive paperwork and manual reviews, which could be time-consuming and cumbersome. However, with the advent of digital tools, such as Bluebeam Revu, the process has become more streamlined and efficient. In this blog post, we will explore how both Local Authority Building Control and Approved Private Sector Building Control Bodies can utilize Bluebeam Revu to simplify and optimize their building regulation approval workflows.
For Local Authority Building Control:
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is a governmental department responsible for enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance with safety standards in their jurisdiction. They play a vital role in reviewing and approving building plans and documents to ensure that they meet the requirements of the relevant building regulations. Bluebeam Revu offers several features that can aid LABC in their tasks.
Digital Document Management:
Bluebeam Revu allows LABC to create, edit, and manage digital documents, drawings, and plans in a centralised location. This eliminates the need for paper-based documentation and reduces the risk of document loss or misplacement. The software also offers advanced markup tools, such as text boxes, shapes, and clouds, which LABC can use to highlight areas of concern or mark up changes on the digital documents.
Collaboration and Review:
Bluebeam Revu enables LABC to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and clients, in real-time. The software allows for shared markups and comments on the digital documents, making it easier to communicate and resolve any issues or discrepancies. LABC can also track changes and revisions made to the documents, ensuring that all parties are working with the latest version.
Customisable Workflows:
Bluebeam Revu allows LABC to create custom workflows and processes for building regulation approval. This includes setting up templates, creating checklists, and defining review and approval stages. These customizable workflows can help streamline the review process, ensuring that all necessary steps are followed and nothing falls through the cracks.
Integration with Existing Systems:
Bluebeam Revu can integrate with other software and systems that LABC may already be using, such as document management systems, CAD software, or project management tools. This allows for seamless data transfer and synchronization, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
For Approved Private Sector Building Control Bodies:
Approved Private Sector Building Control Bodies (APBCBs) are private companies that are approved by the government to provide building control services. They work alongside LABC in ensuring compliance with building regulations and provide an alternative option for building regulation approval. Bluebeam Revu offers several features that can benefit APBCBs in their tasks.
Efficient Document Review:
Bluebeam Revu allows APBCBs to efficiently review and mark up digital documents, drawings, and plans. The software offers advanced markup tools, such as text boxes, callouts, and measurement tools, which can be used to highlight areas of concern or provide comments. APBCBs can also create custom stamps and symbols to indicate approvals or rejections.
Customizable Checklists:
Bluebeam Revu allows APBCBs to create customizable checklists for building regulation compliance. These checklists can be used to ensure that all relevant requirements are met and documented. APBCBs can also create custom templates for different types of projects or industries, making it easier to standardize their review process and ensure consistency.
Collaboration and Communication:
Bluebeam Revu enables APBCBs to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and clients, in real-time. The software allows for shared markups and comments on the digital documents, facilitating communication and resolution of issues. APBCBs can also create and manage RFIs (Requests for Information) within Bluebeam Revu, streamlining the communication process and ensuring that all parties are on the same page.
Mobile Access:
Bluebeam Revu offers a mobile app that allows APBCBs to access and review documents on the go. This can be especially beneficial for site inspections or remote projects where access to a computer may be limited. APBCBs can use the mobile app to view and markup documents, capture photos, and create punch lists, all of which can be synced with the main Bluebeam Revu software.
Reporting and Analytics:
Bluebeam Revu provides reporting and analytics capabilities that can help APBCBs track and analyze data related to building regulation approvals. The software offers customizable reports that can be generated based on various criteria, such as project status, review stages, or compliance issues. These reports can provide valuable insights into the performance of APBCBs and help identify areas for improvement.
Bluebeam Revu is a powerful tool that can greatly simplify and optimize the building regulation approval process for both Local Authority Building Control and Approved Private Sector Building Control Bodies. The software offers features such as digital document management, collaboration and review, customizable workflows, integration with existing systems, efficient document review, customizable checklists, collaboration and communication, mobile access, and reporting and analytics. By leveraging these features, LABC and APBCBs can streamline their workflows, improve communication, ensure compliance with building regulations, and ultimately deliver safer and more compliant construction projects
