For new dwellings in England assessed under the current Part L requirements, photographic evidence should be collected during construction for each dwelling and made available to the energy assessor and Building Control.
The photographs provide a record of key construction details and help support the final As-Built SAP assessment and BREL compliance report. Because many of these details become hidden as construction progresses, photographs should be taken once the relevant work is complete but before it is covered up.
Approved Document L, Volume 1 sets out the types of construction details that should be recorded and how the evidence should be identified and stored.
What you need to Photograph
Approved Document L, Volume 1, Appendix B, paragraph B7 sets out the typical construction details that should be photographed for each dwelling. Photographs should be taken once the relevant work is complete but before the detail is covered up.
Photographs should be taken of typical details as listed below and should be unique to each property. One photograph per detail should be recorded. Additional images, such as a closeup detail, should be provided only when necessary (see below). Photographs should be taken at appropriate construction stages for each detail when completed, but prior to closing-up works.
1. Foundations/substructure and ground floor, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation in the following places.
a. At ground floor perimeter edge insulation.
b. At external door threshold.
c. Below damp-proof course on external walls.
2. External walls: for each main wall type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation for the following.
a. Ground floor to wall junction.
b. Structural penetrating elements.
NOTE: For blown fill, photos should show clean cavities and clean brick ties with very limited mortar droppings.
3. Roof: for each main roof type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation at the following.
a. Joist/rafter level.
b. Eaves and gable edges.
4. Openings: for each opening type (one image per wall or roof type is sufficient), to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation with photographs of the following.
a. Window positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line.
b. External doorset positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line
5. Airtightness: additional photographs for all details 1–4 to show airtightness details (only if not included or visible in continuity of insulation image).
6. Building services: for all plant associated with space heating, hot water, ventilation and low or zero carbon technology equipment within or on the building, show the following.
a. Plant/equipment identification label(s), including make/model and serial number.
b. Primary pipework continuity of insulation.
c. Mechanical ventilation ductwork continuity of insulation (for duct sections outside the thermal envelope).
How you should keep a record of the Photos
Approved Document L, Volume 1, Appendix B, paragraph B8 explains how the photographic evidence should be recorded and identified.
Photographs should be digital, clear and high enough resolution to allow the construction detail to be reviewed. Close-up images should be taken where a wider photograph does not show enough detail. Geo-location should be enabled so the location, date and time of each image can be confirmed, and each file name should identify the plot number and the relevant detail reference.
Plan the Photographs Into the Build Programme
The easiest way to manage Part L photographic evidence is to build it into the site programme and quality-control process from the start. A simple plot-by-plot checklist can help make sure each required detail is photographed at the correct stage before it is covered up.
If a required detail is missed, it may be difficult to provide suitable evidence later without opening up completed work. Good record keeping during construction can therefore help avoid delays, additional work and problems when the As-Built SAP assessment and BREL report are prepared. Approved Document L specifically requires the photos to be taken at the appropriate stage before closing-up works.
Be Prepared
Build the collection of Part L photographic evidence into your site quality-control process from the start. Make sure responsibility for taking, naming and storing the photographs is clear, and that the required details are captured before they are covered up.
Photographs should be stored securely and backed up so they remain available when the As-Built SAP assessment and final compliance documentation are prepared. It is also worth checking early in the project that the device being used records the required location, date and time information correctly.
Need Help With Part L Photo Evidence?
The guides below provide examples of the required photographic evidence, how it should be recorded and how the information is reviewed as part of the compliance process.
If you are unsure whether a photograph is suitable, it is better to ask during construction while the detail is still accessible. This can help avoid problems later when the As-Built SAP assessment and BREL report are being completed.