About building control
Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction, and alterations to virtually every building. Building regulations approval, or building control, is needed for all buildings to make sure they are safe.
The Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings. The regulations are developed by the UK government and approved by Parliament.
These regulations are supported by the Approved Documents which set out detailed guidance on design, construction and compliance.
Building control is different from planning permission and you might need both for your project. Even if you don’t need planning consent for the property, most building works require building control approval.
The video below talks you through the initial steps of obtaining planning and building control approval.
The Building Control Process
The process of obtaining building control approval can appear daunting for those who have not completed it before, however, it is a quite simple process that we can guide you through to ensure that the works completed achieve compliance.
The video below explains the building control process, giving details of the application types, the process of applying and where to get help and guidance.
We have provided more information on the various steps of obtaining building control approval, from application through to completion.
Apply
The first step is to identify if the works require building control approval, if in doubt we are available to advise.
Once it has been confirmed building control approval is required then you will need to submit a quotation request or application form to us. View our building control applications page for information on the different types of applications.
Validation
Once we have received the application we check all the required information has been received and provide a fee for your works. Details on fees can be found on the Apply for Building Control page.
Once the required documents/information has been received and payment made, we will validate the application.
Plan Check
If you have submitted a full plans application we will check the information submitted for compliance with the regulations and send you list of non-compliances and details of any additional information required (engineers calculations, manufacturers details, etc.)
If the plans are compliant, we will issue a full plans approval. We may also issue an approval with requirements, which may include additional information not available until works commence on site. If the plans are not compliant and the required amendments are not made within the statutory timescales, then a full plans rejection will be issued and we will advise what the next steps are.
Start
Works can start after 48 hours of the application being validated; we will need to be notified of when you intend to start the works. Once the works have reached a point that requires inspection, contact us to book this. Information on when inspections are required and how to book them can be found on our booking site inspections page.
Site Inspections
As the works progress, we will inspect the works at key stages depending on the type of work being completed. These stages will be included in the acknowledgement paperwork once the application is validated or agreed on site. If in doubt, please contact us and we can advise the next inspection for your works.
During the site inspection, the registered building inspector will check the works on site with compliance with the building regulations and identify any areas where compliance may not have been achieved. The inspector may ask questions to cover works that occur between visits or may be covered by the next visit. Photographs can only be provided where they have been requested by the registered building inspector and do not replace an inspection if an inspection was requested.
If you are unsure, we recommend we meet your builder (or principle contractor) on site as they are often able to advise and answer any questions the inspector may have on the works undertaken and proposed works.
Commencement
The works are considered ‘commenced’ when it reaches keys stages, such as DPC height for extensions/new build properties or 15% of works for other works. You need to notify us when works are considered to be commenced.
Completion
Like with starting and commencement, you need to notify us of completion within 5 working days of the works being completed using the notice of completion form.
Once you have notified us of completion, we will arrange the completion inspection with you. If the inspection is satisfactory and all the relevant paperwork, such as electrical certificates and commissioning certificates, has been provided, we can issue the completion certificate. If there are still outstanding items from previous visits, evidence these have been addressed will be required prior to the completion certificate being issued.
Please keep the certificate in a safe place as this will be required for a mortgage (for a new dwelling) or when the property is sold (extensions and alterations).
Further information
For more information on building control and building control requirements, please see the links below.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
Last updated on 09/05/2024
About building control