Norsk Standards

What Is Norsk Standard?

Norsk Standard (NS) is a set of common rules and guidelines used in the construction industry to ensure that work is carried out professionally and consistently across the country. The standards are developed in collaboration between professionals, industry organizations, and authorities, providing clear requirements and descriptions for how different types of work should be performed.

Standards Are Part of Everyday Life – Without You Noticing

We are surrounded by thousands of standards every day, often without realizing it. They help make everyday life predictable, safe, and comfortable. Some examples:

  • Stair steps have a standardized height and depth, making them easy to walk on.
  • Dining chairs and tables have standard heights to ensure comfortable seating.
  • Door handles are placed at the right height so both children and adults can use them.
  • Doors have a standard width, making them easy to pass through.

Norsk Standard in Construction and Wet Rooms

In construction, especially in wet rooms, Norsk Standard plays an equally important role. TEK17, the Building Technical Regulations, sets requirements for how buildings and wet rooms should function, but it does not always specify exactly how the work should be done. That’s where Norsk Standard comes in. When a craftsman follows Norsk Standard, it means that:

  • The work is performed using tested and approved
  • The materials and solutions used have been tested and are suitable for the
  • The quality of the work meets the expected standards in Norway.

Norsk Standards - A Part of
Building Regulations

Norsk Standards - A Part of Building Regulations

The Building Technical Regulations (TEK17) state that compliance with requirements can be documented by following Norsk Standard or an equivalent standard. This means that if a craftsman follows Norsk Standard, it is officially documented that the work meets legal requirements. Norsk Standard, therefore, plays a crucial role in ensuring that wet rooms are built safely and properly.

How is Norsk Standard Structured?

Norsk Standard is not a single book but a large set of standards covering various trades and parts of the construction process. Some of the most important ones for wet rooms include:

  • NS 3420: Specification texts for construction and civil engineering – used to describe what should be done and the quality requirements.
  • NS 3600: Technical condition analysis for the sale of housing – sets requirements for how wet rooms should be inspected and assessed.

Why is Norsk Standard Important for You as a Customer?

For you as a customer, Norsk Standard provides several benefits:

  • You get a bathroom or wet room built according to professional and recognized
  • You can be assured that the correct materials are used and that the work meets the expected quality.
  • If a dispute arises, there is an objective reference that determines what constitutes proper execution.

Why is Norsk Standard Important
for You as a Craftsman?

Why is Norsk Standard Important for You as a Craftsman?

For craftsmen, Norsk Standard is an essential tool:

  • It provides clear requirements for execution, material selection, and documentation.
  • It ensures that everyone works according to the same rules, regardless of the project
  • It makes it easier to document that the work complies with
  • It provides security in warranty claims and disputes since one can refer to the standard’s requirements and tolerances.

Accuracy Requirements – Craftsmanship
is not Machine Production

An important part of Norsk Standard is that it also includes tolerances – meaning the allowable deviations in craftsmanship. This is important for both the customer and the craftsman to understand.


All work is done by hand and in buildings that are rarely perfectly straight to begin with. As a result, small irregularities or minor imperfections may occur. As long as these are within the acceptable limits set by Norsk Standard, they are considered professionally executed work – not defects.

Summary

BVN is a voluntary industry standard, but it has become the natural choice for professional craftsmen because it provides:

  • Norsk Standard is a common regulatory framework for quality craftsmanship in Norway.
  • TEK17 allows requirements to be met by following Norsk Standard.
  • We encounter standards every day – in stairs, furniture, doors, and more – providing predictability and comfort.
  • For both customers and craftsmen, Norsk Standard ensures security, clear guidelines, and common
  • Norsk Standard also accounts for the fact that craftsmanship is not machine-perfect – small deviations are normal as long as they fall within professional tolerances.

OUR SOLUTIONS

Private Clients

Craftsmanship Companies

Contractors

Insurance Companies

Housing Associations

GUIDLINES

BVN

TEK 17

FDV

Wetroom mistakes

KONTAKT