Building Class

We’ve had requests from RBS to change the Nathers certificate issued by Firstrate5 to the correct class of 1b, however Firstrate5 only allows 1a which is confusing and incorrect.

Can we/you suggest back to the Nathers Administrator to have this changed to “Class 1” which would resolve the annoyance of the RBS of an incorrect Class on the certificate.

TechLink Response:

• Many Building Surveyors understand the shortcoming in the NatHERS data entry options available and do not have an issue with the appearance of 1a on a Certificate when the project is a 1b dwelling of under 300m2 having a number of bedrooms in combination around shared kitchen/living/dining facilities so as to be equal in terms of building fabric thermal performance with class 1a dwellings.
• NCC confirms that NatHERS ratings are acceptable for all class 1 Buildings.
• A worse situation occurs when an RBS demands the building be classified as a class 3 hostel which has the potential under Elemental DtS assessment to drive down the building fabric thermal performance compliance to much lower levels than that which is required under a 6 Star NatHERS response.