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This paper is based on a research project sponsored by the DTI, with contributions from construction industry partners. The principal objective of the research was to generate data (based on a sample of new‐build housing schemes) about the levels of compliance with Building Regulations and standards typically achieved in England and Wales.

The field research consisted of a triangulation of three research methods. A series of observations of 11 speculative housing projects (in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire) during construction. A questionnaire survey of occupants of recently completed speculatively built houses. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in eight housing developments completed 9‐15 months previously. Semi‐structured interviews with six building control inspectors, both local authority and approved inspectors.

The general conclusions are that levels of compliance were not always sufficient, though there was no evidence of systematic and purposeful non‐compliance with building regulations. Faults were largely due to lack of skills and knowledge of the required standards on the part of the operatives, and shortcomings in site management and toleration of sub‐standard workmanship.

The surveys were limited to projects by national or regional scale housing developers on mainly medium‐large size house developments that included semi‐detached, detached and townhouses.

The recommendations point to the need for more initial and continuing training of tradesmen, both in trade skills and knowledge of the provisions of building regulations, and more rigorous site management procedures adopted, particularly when pressure for completion is at its greatest.

The value of the paper is linked to the originality of the research; prior to it, reliable evidence of the scale and extent of non‐compliance with Building Regulations in the UK was not recorded in any publicly available source.

An Act to make further provision for securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or safety in connection with the activities of persons at work, for controlling the keeping and use and preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of dangerous substances, and for controlling certain emissions into the atmosphere; to make further provision with respect to the employment medical advisory service; to amend the law relating to building regulations, and the Building (Scotland) Act 1959; and for connected purposes. [31st July 1974]

The virtual organization is upon us, or so we are led to believe. No longer will we have to worry about finding enough space for so many workstations, as people will be sitting in cyberspace waiting either to send or receive their next communication. It will not matter where in the universe someone is, provided that they can communicate. People will be working in physical isolation, but this does not matter as they can, yes you’ve guessed it, communicate! There is no doubting that communicating is good and absolutely necessary, but it is quality of communication which is needed, not just any old garbled message. Are standards of communication deteriorating? The media by which we are sending messages are improving, of that there is little doubt, but it is the content and usefulness of this content which must be brought to question.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the building regulations and the building control system in Portugal. The organisation, content, and authorities responsible for building regulations are described and an overview is provided of the main stages of the building permit procedure.

The paper reviews the relevant legal and regulatory provisions and discusses these in the context of commentary published by the various professional associations.

The Portuguese building regulation system has undergone significant changes in the last 20 years. Almost all building regulations currently in force are approved during that period. Some of these are resulted from the implementation of European Directives. Others are changed due to advances in scientific knowledge. Changes in the building control system have mainly been driven by the changing demands of present‐day practice, in particular, the absence of sufficient municipal technicians, and the need to expedite building control procedures. The solution has been to move away from public building control and to make private parties responsible for compliance with building regulations. The paper concludes that, although there have been significant improvements in the building regulation system over recent years, two structural problems nevertheless persist. First, building regulations continue to be complex and fragmented, and second the qualifications of technicians are still not adequately defined.

A structured overview of the system is provided and the main weaknesses are identified. The proposals for change are suggested by professional associations are summarised, and possible improvements are suggested.