This process encompasses a comprehensive verification of electrical installations, consideration of carbon footprint, and compliance with NF DTU standards. All of this has one goal: to ensure that buildings not only comply with current codes but actively contribute to the development of environmentally friendly housing adapted to the challenges of the 21st century. This framework, essential for construction professionals, architects, engineers, and public authorities, underscores the importance of building in harmony with principles of sustainability and accessibility.
The missions of the CRC
What are the objectives of CRC controls?
The Building Compliance Control (CRC) plays a key role in ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of our living spaces . By focusing on compliance with regulations such as those established by the RE 2020 standard and accessibility criteria, the CRC aims to raise the standard for new and renovated buildings. This control process offers a meticulous inspection, covering everything from electrical installations and thermal insulation to hot water production, to ensure that each project minimizes its carbon footprint while guaranteeing the comfort and safety of its occupants.
What are his areas of expertise?
The scope of CRC control extends to a wide range of constructions, including public and private buildings, single-family homes, and net-zero energy buildings , which produce more energy than they consume. The CRC intervenes from the initial building declaration stage and monitors each step through to completion.
Auditing of the accounts of public accountants
Beyond technical oversight, the CRC also assesses the financial management of construction projects to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and transparently. This aspect of their mission ensures sound project governance, where compliance with building regulations goes hand in hand with rigorous financial management, thereby fostering sustainable developments that meet citizens' expectations and environmental protection imperatives.
Budgetary control
Within the framework of CRC control, budgetary control serves to ensure that construction projects comply with financial forecasts in accordance with various regulations. This control is implemented in specific situations, such as:
significant discrepancies between the initial budget and actual expenditures
modifications to the project requiring budget adjustments to comply with new energy or thermal insulation standards.
This ensures that every euro is spent wisely, contributing to the construction of positive energy buildings and the reduction of the carbon footprint, in accordance with the objectives of RE 2020 and the Building Code.
Management control
Management control, under the auspices of the CRC, focuses on ensuring that expenditures and revenues comply with established construction rules , including adherence to NF DTU standards and building codes. This control verifies the efficient use of financial resources allocated to projects.
It also makes it possible to assess whether the investments made actually contribute to the defined objectives, such as the effective implementation of thermal insulation measures or the electrical installation which complies with sustainability requirements.
How is a building code compliance inspection (CRC) carried out?
The building code compliance inspection (CRC) is a process defined in Article L.151-1 of the French Building and Housing Code (CCH). It is carried out on behalf of the State by commissioned and sworn agents and coordinated by the departmental directorate of territories . Its main objective is to verify that building codes have been strictly adhered to, particularly in terms of:
thermal insulation.
of thermal regulations RE 2020.
of acoustic characteristics.
accessibility.
This contributes to the creation of positive energy buildings, the reduction of the carbon footprint, and the overall improvement of the quality of construction.
Inspectors have the authority to conduct inspections up to six years after the completion of construction , allowing for ongoing site inspections and requests for documents or certificates. This extended monitoring ensures the long-term compliance of buildings with regulatory requirements, ranging from fire protection and seismic risk prevention to accessibility for people with disabilities and adequate ventilation.
These comprehensive checks aim to limit the risk of accidents , reduce health problems related to poor design, and guarantee comfortable and accessible housing . They cover a range of construction provisions, emphasizing the importance of complying with standards such as NF DTU and the Building Code to ensure the safety and well-being of users.
What are the advantages of complying with building regulations?
Strict adherence to building regulations offers a multitude of advantages for both builders and users:
Firstly, it guarantees increased safety, minimizing the risk of accidents and loss of life.
From a health perspective, it reduces problems related to ventilation malfunctions , preventing poisoning and other health issues.
Energy efficiency is also improved , with buildings designed to consume less energy thanks to optimal insulation and compliance with thermal standards, contributing to the fight against greenhouse gases.
Accessibility for all, including people with reduced mobility, is ensured, making the spaces more inclusive.
Finally, user comfort is considerably increased, offering housing and premises that are pleasant to live in or work in.
The 3 levels of control
CRC control procedures are structured in three levels , each contributing to ensuring that buildings comply with the safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards established by the Building and Housing Code (CCH).
Level 1: Initial Certifications
This first level of analysis focuses on the mandatory certificates required when submitting a building permit application or when filing the declaration attesting to the completion and conformity of the works (DAACT). These documents include :
The accessibility certificate , which certifies compliance with standards for people with disabilities.
certificates relating to earthquake-resistant building codes
thermal (RT2012) and acoustic regulations .
These certificates are issued by professionals independent of the project, such as architects or technical inspectors, and must be sent to the mayor of the municipality.
Level 2: Documentation and intermediate testing
At the second level, a thorough review of the documents provided by the client is conducted. This step assesses the professionals' level of knowledge and understanding of regulatory obligations. The documents reviewed include:
the building permit application ,
thermal calculation notes ,
permeability tests ,
the plans and the technical specifications (CCTP).
Level 3: Site visit
The site visit constitutes the third and final level of inspection. It allows agents from the Departmental Directorate of Territories to verify on-site that the work complies with building regulations. This step involves:
verification of thermal characteristics,
verification of acoustic characteristics,
ventilation check,
fire protection,
accessibility, and other regulatory provisions.
In case of non-compliance, a report is drawn up, and criminal penalties may be applied, ranging from a fine to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offences.
The impact of technology on CRC controls
Adopting technology and software is essential today to ensure compliance with standards and a successful CRC inspection. These technological tools offer unparalleled accuracy and operational efficiency, facilitating compliance with the strictest standards for building safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
The use of project document management software and site monitoring solutions allows construction professionals to meticulously document each stage of the construction process. These tools also help detect and correct deviations from established standards well before the inspection phases, thus reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Viewpoint For Projects is a project management software for the construction industry that streamlines document management and facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements from the outset of a project. Furthermore, Viewpoint Field View enhances site monitoring through its ability to document progress in real time via a mobile application, enabling a rapid response to any non-conformities.
While these products offer specific advantages, the key takeaway is that integrating technology into construction processes represents undeniable added value for professionals . It not only enables successful CRC inspections but also lays the foundation for safer, more sustainable buildings that meet future expectations.
