Services based on the Building Standard Law
Services based on the Housing Performance Indication System
Performance Evaluation Test Services
In accordance with the Housing Quality Assurance Act, the "Designated Evaluation Bodies for Housing Performance" (hereafter referred to as DEBs) designated by the Minister are allowed to conduct housing performance evaluation services.
In contrast to the Building Standard Law (BSL) which stipulates minimum standards for building lots, structure and facilities, the "Housing Performance Evaluation System" (HPES) covers performance levels exceeding the minimal standards of BSL and HPES covers performance aspects not stipulated in BSL. Unlike with BSL which applies to all buildings, builders are not obliged to use HPES. These characteristics of HPES differ from those of BSL.
Advantages of the evaluation are; HPES enables housing purchasers to compare housing from the viewpoint of housing performance, and HPES makes housing more reliable owing to the inspections carried out by a third party.
Building constructors, housing manufacturers and building owners are able to use the service by paying the charges set by each DEB.
The evaluation services are carried out through an examination of drawings and specifications at the design stage and inspections at the construction stage in accordance with the Evaluation Methods Standards of HPES covering ten fields.
CBL is one of the DEBs and conducts the evaluation services. The services cover the whole country and all types of housing. Evaluation charges depend on the number of dwellings, type of housing, etc.
Since prefabricated houses are built in the same design and parts of housing such as mass-produced bathroom units, systematized kitchens are installed in many buildings, it is not efficient for each DEB to evaluate them in accordance with the Evaluation Methods Standards. Therefore, HPES allows the "Designated Housing Performance Approving Bodies for Specific-type Housing Component " (DHPABs) designated by the Minister to grant them "Specific-type Housing Component Approvals" prior to the examination by each DEB. In this case, examinations at each DEB are simplified.
In addition, DHPABs are allowed to grant "Certification of Specific-type housing component Manufacturers" to manufacturers who supply prefabricated houses or parts of housing with the Specific-type Housing Component Approval and through good quality management. In this case, inspections on the products supplied by them are simplified on the sites.
CBL is one of the DHPABs and conducts these services.
Since the Evaluation Methods Standards set forth grades of performance for ordinary construction methods and materials, some newly developed technologies may not be covered by their provisions. For this reason, the Housing Performance Indication System allows the Minister to review and approve the "Special Evaluation Methods" for these new methods and materials.
In such cases, CBL, as one of the "Designated Testing Bodies", conducts the technical examination required prior to the Minister's approval.
The Housing Performance Evaluation System mentioned above can be applied in case of new houses. The system was amended in August 2002, and the evaluation system of existing housing was added to the system.
At the request of clients, the DEB will conduct examination of the existing housing, evaluate its condition, and submit a report to them.