HEXA Experts · Building expertise
Buildwise
Buildwise is the knowledge and research centre for the construction sector. Its technical publications and guidelines can help assess construction methods, materials and workmanship.
Buildwise (formerly WTCB, the Belgian Building Research Institute) is Belgium’s knowledge and research centre for the construction sector. It shares technical information and supports construction professionals through research, publications and practical guidelines.
What information does Buildwise provide?
The publications cover construction methods, materials, detailing, workmanship, performance and maintenance. Technical Information Sheets and other guidelines help support decisions and share professional knowledge.
Tolerances and workmanship
Guidelines or tolerances exist for various building elements and materials. They can be relevant when assessing dimensions, flatness, joints or finishes. Applicable criteria vary by product, use, contract and publication. Examples of tolerances should therefore not be treated out of context as universal limits for every project.
Use in a technical dispute
Buildwise documentation can be a useful technical reference when assessing the quality of completed work. A guideline must always be considered alongside the contractual agreements, product requirements, applicable standards and circumstances of the building.
Are Buildwise guidelines legally binding?
A Buildwise publication is not automatically a law or regulation. A guideline can, however, help describe the state of the art or a customary method of execution. Its relevance in a specific case must be assessed in light of the source and circumstances.
Why are these guidelines useful?
- They help you find technical information about materials and workmanship.
- They provide context for quality inspections and the wording of technical observations.
- They support discussions between the client, contractor, architect and expert.
- They help support a technical assessment with a verifiable source.
HEXA Experts consults relevant technical sources when a case calls for an independent assessment of building-related issues.
Examples from the original article
The original article gave examples including a masonry deviation from plumb of 3 mm per metre, up to 15 mm over the full height; a maximum unevenness of 2 mm over 2 metres for tiled floors; and a maximum 2 mm variation in grout width. These are not universal criteria for every project. Always check the applicable Buildwise publication, product requirements and contractual agreements.
Guidelines in practice
During quality checks or disputes, contractors, architects and experts can consult technical publications to assess the work. The information supports the assessment but does not replace an examination of the actual site.
- Use relevant technical sources to support quality assurance.
- When discussing an issue, explain which guideline or tolerance applies.
- Assess deviations in relation to the function, material choice, workmanship and agreed performance.
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