Booking site inspections

How to book site inspections

You can book your site inspection/visit by using the following:

• emailing buildingcontrolsiteinspections@reading.gov.uk 
• using the LABC inspection app https://www.labc.co.uk/book-site-inspection
• calling 0118 937 2449 between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday
• inspection text number 07480 357 065

Please ensure that you give the site address, type of site inspection, date required, your name and contact details. You must contact us by 3pm the day before, to book an inspection for the next day. Please note no inspections are carried out at weekends or bank holidays.

Inspections can be booked by you or your contractor.

The LABC inspection app can also be found by scanning the below QR code.

Inspection Stages

When inspections are required will be based on the type of works undertaken. The table below provides the minimum inspections for the most common works; however, the Registered Building Inspector may request additional visits depending on the specific works.

Stages of project / Typical inspections	Extensions to dwellings	Garage and loft conversions	New build houses and flats	Structural alterations
Commencement	48hrs prior by email notification	48hrs prior by email notification	48hrs prior by email notification	48hrs prior by email notification
Excavations / foundations	When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed	Where applicable	When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed	When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed
Drainage	Prior to covering over	Where applicable	Prior to covering over	Where applicable
Oversite	Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities	Where applicable	Inspected with DPM / DPC	Where applicable
DPM/DPC	Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities	Where applicable	Inspected with DPM / DPC	Where applicable
Vertical DPC / opening of cavities	Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities	Where applicable	Where applicable	Where applicable
Superstructure, lintels / beams	Prior to covering over and at time of roof structure	Where applicable / Prior to covering over	Prior to covering over and at time of roof structure	Prior to covering over
Roof / floor structure	Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install	Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install	Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install	Where applicable
Thermal insulation	Prior to covering over	Prior to covering over	Prior to covering over	Where applicable
Sound insulation	Where applicable	Where applicable	Testing and inspection required
Fire safety measures	Upon completion inspection	Upon completion inspection	Testing and inspection required	Where applicable
Electrical works, unless specifically identified at time of application	Certification required from contractor	Certification required from contractor	Certification required from contractor	Certification required from contractor
Building services	Where applicable	Where applicable	Certification required from contractor	Where applicable
Completion	All projects prior to occupation	All projects prior to occupation	All projects prior to occupation	All projects prior to occupation

Failure to request an inspection for a required stage may result in works needing to be exposed for inspection at a later date.

Start and Commencement

Works can start within 48 hours of the application being submitted; however, we do need to be notified of the proposed start date. Similarly, we need to be notified when the project is considered commenced, at either Damp Proof Course (DPC) or 15% of the works completed. This needs to be completed in writing via email.

Completion of Works

Once a satisfactory completion inspection has been undertaken and all requested paperwork provided, the completion certificate can be issued. The completion certificate is a legal document which you are required to have if you are selling or re-mortgaging the property. To notify us of completed works, please complete the Completion Notification form below and send it to building.control@reading.gov.uk.

RBC Building Control Notice of Completion