Introduction

Many facility owners eventually reach a stage where they need to modify existing building components, whether for expansion, changing the use of certain spaces, improving operational efficiency, or keeping up with updated safety and Saudi Building Code requirements. With the development of digital platforms such as Balady, these modifications can now be carried out in an organized and official manner, provided that an accredited engineering office with proven experience in safety engineering and fire protection systems is engaged. This is exactly what Eng. Mosbeh Assaf Office for Safety Engineering Consultations offers.

 

What is the building components modification service?

The building components modification service focuses on implementing engineering changes to an existing building, such as:

 

Adding new floors or expanding existing areas.

 

Changing the use of certain spaces (commercial, office, service, etc.).

 

Adjusting the paths of emergency exits or stair locations and escape routes.

 

Updating fire protection and alarm systems in line with the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense requirements.

 

These modifications require careful engineering study and a review of their impact on structural safety, life safety and evacuation routes before submitting an official request through the Balady platform.

 

The importance of modifying building components through an accredited engineering process

 

Meeting changing facility needs

Over time, the needs of a facility owner or the nature of the activity may change, such as expanding services, increasing staff or visitor numbers, or adding new functions within the building. Building components modification allows the existing design to be adapted to these new requirements without compromising safety or the original planning concept.

 

Improving functional performance and operational efficiency

Redistributing spaces, adjusting entrances and exits, or updating circulation routes inside the building are all factors that enhance operational efficiency and improve the user experience, whether for patients in a hospital, guests in a hotel, or visitors in a shopping mall.

 

Compliance with the Saudi Building Code and safety requirements

Updates may be issued to the Saudi Building Code or Civil Defense safety requirements, particularly regarding fire protection systems, emergency exits and occupancy loads. Modifying building components in light of these updates protects the facility from:

 

Regulatory violations.

 

Repeated observations from inspection authorities.

 

Suspension of licenses, insurance or even the activity itself, partially or completely.

 

Increasing the asset value and reliability

A building whose components have been modified in an official manner through an accredited engineering office, with updated and approved drawings from the relevant authorities, will have higher value and greater reliability in the eyes of investors, tenants and insurance companies.

 

Steps to modify building components via the Balady platform

 

To implement building components modification in a compliant manner in the Kingdom, the process usually takes place through the Balady platform following key steps:

 

Accessing the Balady platform

 

Log in to Balady using the National Single Sign-On (Absher).

 

Select construction license services, then the service for issuing a license to add and modify building components (or its equivalent depending on system updates).

 

Defining owner and applicant details

 

Specify whether the owner is an individual, a company or a government entity.

 

Accurately enter the owner’s information and contact details to ensure data validity.

 

Selecting the building license to be modified

 

Select the existing building license associated with the property.

 

Choose the type of modification required (addition, alteration, extension, change of use, etc.).

 

Selecting the design engineering office

 

Select an accredited engineering office to prepare the drawings (architectural, structural, safety) depending on the nature of the modification.

 

When modifying safety elements and fire protection systems, it is recommended that the office be specialized and experienced in safety engineering and fire protection and alarm systems.

 

Selecting the supervising engineering office

 

Appoint a supervising engineering office if the nature of the modification requires on-site supervision.

 

The supervising office data can be retrieved from the insurance record if it is already registered.

 

Selecting the contractor

 

Specify the building contractor who will carry out the modification works.

 

Contractor data can also be retrieved from the insurance record if it is up to date.

 

Submitting the request to the engineering office

 

After completing the request data and selecting the engineering offices and contractor, the request is sent to the accredited engineering office to complete the technical requirements and drawings.

 

Preparing and updating the drawings

The engineering office will:

 

Study the current condition and components of the building.

 

Prepare or modify the architectural and structural drawings as required.

 

Update fire protection and alarm system drawings and emergency exits and evacuation plans in line with the proposed modifications.

 

Ensure full compliance with the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense requirements at all design stages.

 

Issuing the payment invoice

 

After the request and drawings are reviewed by the Balady platform and the relevant authorities, a payment invoice is issued to the owner with the applicable fees.

 

Paying the fees and issuing the license

 

Once the fees are paid, the building components modification license is issued.

 

The license can be printed and used to proceed with the modification works, while keeping the approved drawings and relevant inspection and technical reports on record.

 

The role of Eng. Mosbeh Assaf Office in building components modification in line with the Saudi Building Code

 

As a Saudi accredited engineering office specialized in safety engineering and fire protection systems, Eng. Mosbeh Assaf Office for Safety Engineering Consultations provides an integrated range of services to support facility owners in building components modification, including:

 

Safety and fire protection engineering consultancy

 

Studying the current condition of the building in terms of safety, evacuation routes and fire protection and alarm systems.

 

Analyzing the potential risks associated with the proposed modification.

 

Recommending technical solutions that ensure compliance with the Saudi Building Code and standards such as NFPA, UL, FM, ISO and SASO.

 

Designing and updating drawings

 

Preparing detailed drawings for the required modifications, including:

 

Architectural and structural changes where necessary.

 

Updated fire protection and alarm system drawings.

 

Redesigned emergency exits and evacuation plans according to the modification and type of occupancy.

 

Ensuring that Civil Defense requirements are considered at every stage of the design and drawing review.

 

Preparing documents and technical reports

 

Compiling the documentation package required for submission via the Balady platform or to Civil Defense, including:

 

Approved and updated drawings.

 

Technical reports for fire protection and safety systems.

 

Required engineering data and responses to technical comments.

 

Supporting the application process and follow-up

 

Assisting the client in completing the online application data and ensuring that the information submitted through the Balady platform matches site conditions.

 

Following up on technical comments issued by the authorities and promptly addressing them to avoid delays in license issuance.

 

Supervision and testing

 

Engineering supervision of the implementation of safety and fire protection modifications in accordance with the approved drawings.

 

Monitoring testing and commissioning of fire protection and alarm systems after the modification.

 

Preparing the necessary reports to hand over the systems to Civil Defense in line with the applicable requirements.

 

Why choose Eng. Mosbeh Assaf Office for modifying building components in your facility?

 

Accredited expertise in safety and fire protection systems across different facility types (hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, educational and industrial facilities).

 

Strict adherence to the Saudi Building Code, Civil Defense requirements and international safety standards.

 

Integrated services from the initial consultation through to supervision and final testing.

 

In-depth understanding of governmental authorities’ procedures and requirements for licenses and modifications, reducing observations and delays.

 

If you are considering modifying building components in your existing facility, whether for expansion, performance improvement or enhancing safety levels, working with a specialized safety and fire protection engineering office such as Eng. Mosbeh Assaf Office for Safety Engineering Consultations will give you confidence that the modification will be carried out in a compliant, safe manner and in full alignment with the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense requirements.