How do I find the information I am looking for?

• All parts are listed on the left-hand menu, when any Part is selected the list of Chapters within that part will be displayed.
• Within each Chapter you will see there are tabs which provide access to Design, Materials, Sitework and Appendices.
  

• Each Chapter has a Chapter index which helps locate key terms.
  

• If you are looking for a particular keyword or phrase, enter the term into the site search. All references made to the term in the Standards document will be presented, in context. Click on the most appropriate entry to be taken to the full requirement.
  

How can I tell what content has changed in this version?

 
The changes to the content for this year are as follows:

 Major change:

• Chapter 7.1 ‘Flat roofs and balconies’ has been completely revised. It now includes guidance on green roofs, both “intensive” and “extensive”. The opportunity has also been taken to improve the specifications for reinforced bitumen membranes (formerly known as “felts”).

Minor changes:

• Chapter 4.2 ‘Building near trees’ has been revised following the publication of BS 5837:2005 ‘Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations’. This BS provides guidance on how existing trees, shrubs, hedges and hedgerows can be protected from construction work.

• Chapter 7.2 ‘Pitched roofs’ has been revised to take account of amendments to BS 5250 ‘Code of practice for the control of condensation in buildings’ where modern underlay materials are used.

• All minor changes are identified by a blue vertical marker adjacent to the relevant paragraph and the revised text underlined in red.
  

Can I print out the Standards?

At the top of each page you will find a ‘Print this page’ link which will enable you to print out individual sections. The prints produced are in a printer-friendly format, however if you require a full hard copy we suggest you use the PDF version also found on the CD or purchase a hard-copy from the e-shop at www.nhbcbuilder.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Please note:

Throughout this application of the Standards coloured content text is used as follows:

• Red text = Technical Requirements that must be met by the builder
• Black text = Performance Standards for Design, Materials and Sitework.
• Blue text = Guidance (on how the Performance Standards may be met).

All links in the application will be displayed in blue to indicate they provide access to another part of the application, the colour coding outlined above relates to body text only.