Construction rules and expectations have changed significantly in recent years, with new legislation and building safety reforms placing greater emphasis on how projects are managed and documented.
The Building Safety Act 2022, ongoing changes to construction product regulation and the upcoming Future Homes Standard expected in 2026 are all shaping how work is carried out across the industry.
Large contractors often have dedicated compliance teams. For many builders and contractors, however, keeping up with changing regulations while managing day to day work can still be challenging.
As these changes continue to take effect, many builders are focusing on practical ways to stay compliant without slowing work down. In this article, builders’ merchant Travis Perkins looks at how changing regulations are affecting the industry and the practical steps builders can take to stay compliant while keeping projects on track.
One of the biggest regulatory changes affecting construction is the Building Safety Act 2022, which has introduced stronger oversight of building safety and clearer responsibilities across the construction process.
The legislation also created the Building Safety Regulator, which oversees the safety regime for higher risk residential buildings and is intended to strengthen accountability across the sector.
A key part of the reforms is the introduction of clearer duty holder roles during the design and construction stages of projects. These roles place greater responsibility on those involved in planning, managing and carrying out building work to ensure that safety requirements are properly followed.
The Act has also placed greater emphasis on maintaining accurate records throughout a project, often referred to as the “golden thread” of information, which ensures that key details about design decisions, materials and installation methods can be traced throughout the life of a building.
Although many of the most detailed requirements apply to high rise residential developments, the wider influence of the legislation is being felt across construction more broadly. Contractors are increasingly expected to demonstrate clear processes, maintain records and ensure the products they use meet the correct standards.
Alongside this, the government has also confirmed plans for the Building Safety Levy, which will require developers to contribute towards the cost of fixing historical building safety issues.
Lee Jackson, Technical Director at Travis Perkins Managed Services, adds:
“Builders are used to working to high standards, but the industry is now placing greater emphasis on being able to show how work has been done and what products have been used,” he says.
“For smaller firms, that often means making sure everyone on site understands the materials they’re working with and has access to the right guidance to install them correctly.”
Another area receiving increasing attention is construction product safety and traceability.
In February 2026, the UK government published its Construction Products Reform White Paper, setting out plans to strengthen how construction materials are regulated following recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Hackitt Review.
The proposals aim to improve how construction products are tested, certified and monitored, with plans for clearer product information, stronger oversight of manufacturers and improved traceability across construction supply chains.
Industry bodies including the Royal Institute of British Architects have highlighted that the reforms could introduce stricter requirements around product information and accountability across the sector.
For contractors, this means demonstrating where materials have come from and ensuring that the products used on site meet the correct specifications and standards, whether that is structural materials such as concrete blocks, insulation products or roofing systems.
Maintaining clear documentation around materials, installation guidance and supplier information is therefore becoming an increasingly important part of project management.
Jackson says that working with knowledgeable suppliers can help builders stay informed about the products they are installing.
“Builders are dealing with a huge range of materials on modern construction sites, from everyday products like concrete blocks through to more complex systems,” he says.
“Having access to reliable product information and guidance can make a big difference when it comes to making confident decisions about materials and ensuring everything is installed correctly.”
Looking ahead, further regulatory changes are expected to influence how homes are built over the coming years.
The Future Homes Standard, which is expected to come into force in 2026, aims to improve the energy efficiency of new homes by requiring lower carbon heating systems and better performing building materials.
Industry groups including the Future Homes Hub have been encouraging developers, suppliers and SMEs across the construction supply chain to start preparing for the changes now, highlighting the importance of collaboration across the sector.
While the standard mainly applies to new housing developments, it reflects a wider shift across construction towards more energy efficient buildings and higher environmental standards.
For builders, this means keeping up to date with changes to building regulations and ensuring installation practices meet evolving requirements as new systems and materials become more common on site.
Across all of these changes, one thing is becoming increasingly clear, good record keeping is essential.
Keeping clear records of product specifications, delivery notes, installation guidance and key project decisions can help builders respond quickly if questions arise later in a project.
For smaller firms, this does not always require complex systems. Many builders are simply keeping digital photos, organised job files or supplier documentation so information can be easily accessed if needed.
Lee Jackson, comments that these small steps can make a big difference if issues arise.
“If a question comes up about what product was used or how something was installed, having the right documentation available can save a lot of time,” he says.
“It helps give clients confidence in the work that’s been carried out and can prevent small issues from turning into bigger delays.”
Although compliance expectations across construction have increased, many builders find that the process becomes easier when it is built into everyday site management.
By keeping organised records, working with reliable suppliers and making sure teams understand the products they are installing, small construction businesses can meet industry expectations while keeping projects running smoothly.
As building safety reforms, product regulation updates and energy efficiency standards continue to evolve, builders who stay informed and keep good records will be well placed to manage these changes and deliver projects with confidence.
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