At your services - What to expect during commissioning
On 14 May 2019, At your services - What to expect during commissioning was launched by The NHBC Foundation in collaboration with BSRIA.
The free guide was published in response to the escalating number of services which means site managers see an increasing range of commissioning activities, often of a highly-technical nature. It is intended to help these site managers supervise those commissioning activities.
While commissioning must be carried out by specialists and competent installers, the guide plugs a vital gap, helping site managers engage more closely with the commissioning process and ask the right questions at the right time.
BSRIA’s David Bleicher said:
“BSRIA relished the chance to work in collaboration with the NHBC on this free, industry guide. The commissioning language therein has been stripped down so that it is easy to understand, jargon-free and perfect for non-technical specialists. Ultimately – the guide will reinforce the message of the quality and performance of the services installed in new homes – an oft-repeated BSRIA mantra.
“The guide aims to give site managers ample acumen to be inquisitive and enquiring about the commissioning activities that they should expect to see on their sites. If the site manager can constructively intervene by asking ‘the right question at the right time’ during construction, this could enhance the reliability and long-term performance of services.”
- Water and drainage.
- Gas connection and distribution.
- Electrical installations.
- Boiler gas supply and correct operation.
- Underfloor heating pipe loops and manifolds.
- Unvented, indirect hot water cylinders.
- Ventilation systems.
- Air source heat pumps.
- Solar hot water systems.
- Grid-connected photovoltaic systems.
You can download the guide at: https://www.nhbcfoundation.org/publication/at-your-services-commissioning-activities/
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Desinging Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.




















