Photographic Evidence in Appendix B of Approved Document L Volume 1: Dwellings

The required photographs are listed in Appendix B of Approved Document L the list is not complete and different dwelling types may have differing requirements. The photographs can be taken by anyone, but do need to be of sufficient quality and high enough resolution to allow for a qualitative audit, the images should also be time stamped and geo-tagged to ensure they relate to the building being reviewed. The photographs should show continuity and type of insulation, detailing in relation to thermal bridging and airtightness, insulation of pipes/ducts where required and the installed building services.

The photographs required for each dwelling should be agreed prior to construction work starting, this may be done alongside the OCDEA (on construction domestic energy assessor), designer and/or builder. As noted the images can be taken by anyone and it is important that the duty is embedded in that person’s role on site, other site roles need to be made aware of these requirements in order to ensure pictures are taken before being concealed by follow on trades.

Once a photograph has been taken on site this needs to be forwarded to the OCDEA for review, and consideration. The assessor is governed by a set of conventions which will determine the level to which they review the image, what actions they need to take and the consequence of the non-provision of images during construction (this may include elements of construction subject to off-site manufacture). In instances where the photo shows a change to a detail, for example the ground floor insulation, the assessor will need to review the SAP Calculations and update the Part L compliance metrics, depending on the outcome of this review further changes may be required elsewhere to ensure continued compliance with Part L.

Additional close up photographs may be needed where a long shot image provides insufficient detail.