Technical Inspection Services (TIS)

Technical Inspection Services (TIS) is a quality label for the residential & non-residential building (B&U) and road & hydraulic engineering (GWW) sectors. TIS tests whether the quality of the building meets the requirements of the Building Decree. The building process can be monitored and assessed by an independent, expert party. This is the essence of a TIS: an independent, expert organization that tests the design for risks, and monitors and assesses the implementation phase. Companies wishing to act as independent, expert test organizations can apply to us for this quality label.

SKG-IKOB has taken over the TIS (Technical Inspection Services) Recognition Regulations, and management of the process, from CROW. CROW, the TIS trade association and SKG-IKOB agreed the details together. The transfer was also an opportunity to broaden the scope of the recognition regulations to include the Building Decree assessment, an important advantage now that privatization of building monitoring has become a hot item.

SKG-IKOB was already responsible for carrying out the practical assessments for the TIS Recognition Regulations, reporting its findings to CROW. The Board of Experts will now function unchanged on behalf of SKG-IKOB. The transfer of the Regulation means that the lines of communication are now shorter, enabling optimum coordination between the TIS Recognition Regulation, the Certified Building Plan Assessment (BRL 5019) and the Building Monitor (BRL 5006). These regulations are controlled by SKW Certification, which is part of SKG-IKOB Certification.

TIS control

The TIS checks the following aspects:

• general building expertise
• structural safety
• fire safety
• building physics
• building-based installations

The assessment consists of:

• testing the design
• technical controls
• inspections during construction
• statement of approval on handover

Independence

In principle, parties that design or construct a building may not have a say in whether the construction is safe. Some insurers even state that these parties should play no part in a TIS. In order to continue operating independently, the sector needs TIS companies that are large enough, which will depend strongly on the future scope of the market.

Register as a TIS?

If you want to register your company as a TIS, or if you have any questions about this scheme, please contact Matthijs Daatselaar, project leader at SKG-IKOB (m.daatselaar@skgikob.nl or +31 (0)6130 474 92). Alternatively, use the contact form.

Test for Compliance with the Building Decree

The Board of Experts has approved the regulations for the TIS Recognition scheme, which also includes the Test for Compliance with the Building Decree. The scheme now corresponds with the new system for private quality assurance in the building industry. An independent expert organization is charged with carrying out a risk test evaluation of the design, and with monitoring and assessing the construction process. This relieves the municipality of the responsibility of carrying out another inspection. Companies wishing to act as an independent expert monitoring body can apply for this quality label. Pilot projects for this ‘extended TIS’ are due to start soon, and SKG-IKOB will compare them with the new TIS regulations during the audits.

Testing the building process

Clients and building owners are increasingly accepting responsibility for the structural safety of houses, building and infrastructure. A client needs to be certain that the building quality that was agreed will also be delivered. The Uniform Administrative Conditions for the Execution of Works (UAV) 1989 and 2012 state that clients themselves are responsible for ensuring this, and not the contractor.

Client responsibility

Quality inspections carried out by clients are sometimes too marginal, and cutbacks on internal control and monitoring can have far-reaching consequences. Unsuspecting users or passers-by are often the primary victims of constructional mistakes. The client is ultimately responsible.

Deviations in the building process

Building projects sometimes deviate from the original construction drawing. This can easily lead to mistakes. Most mistakes are made when information is passed between parties. The client is also responsible for shortcomings in the work after completion, including for projects realized under the Uniform Administrative Conditions for the Execution of Works. As a result, clients who want to focus on their core business rather than on permanently monitoring building processes are caught in a dilemma. They need external, independent experts to monitor the process on their behalf.

Hidden defects Insurance

A client can take out insurance to cover liability for hidden defects in building work. He/she must be able to produce a TIS statement of approval. Insurance commences after a statement of completion has been issued. A few other European countries operate similar guarantee insurance policies. Hidden defects refer to all defects in structural parts of the building, which were hidden at the moment of the handover. They include faults in design, workmanship and materials. The insurance covers the costs of repairing and/or replacing the building work for a given period starting on the handover date, as long as the defects are reported to the insurer during said insurance period.