Duty in building design and construction
In its most general sense, a duty is a responsibility or obligation to act or perform in a certain way. For example, employees are duty-bound to carry out the tasks and actions required as part of their job.
In terms of economics, the term ‘duty’ refers to a type of tax that is levied by a state. It is often used in the context of customs and taxes on overseas purchases. In relation to property, an estate duty (also known as inheritance tax) is levied on the estate of someone who dies or on the inheritance that someone else receives from someone who dies. This is known informally as a ‘death duty’. Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is payable on the purchase or transfer of property or land in the UK which has a value above a certain threshold. For more information, see Stamp duty.
In construction, a large number of duties may arise, such as:
- A duty of care to ensure that another party does not suffer unreasonable harm or loss that can arise as a result of contractual obligations and/or the tort of negligence. For more information, see Duty of care.
- There is no general duty to warn in English law, however, there are circumstances in which such a duty can exist. Where there is a contract, a duty to warn may arise in relation to dangers of which a party ought to have been aware. In addition, there may be a limited express duty to point out discrepancies in the contract documents. For more information, see Duty to warn.
- A duty of good faith may arise in international law.
- The duty of an adjudicator to act impartially.
- Obligations of duty holders, such as those arising under the CDM regulations.
- A duty to inform insurers of material facts.
- The Localism Act 2011 placed a legal ‘duty to cooperate’ on local planning authorities.
- Duty to manage asbestos.
The word duty may also be used in relation to the durability or robustness of a product, such as in the phrase 'heavy duty'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.