The purpose of building control and why you need it

First, it is important to recognise that building control and planning permission are two entirely separate permissions. In simple terms, planning permission is about deciding on whether a development, however big or small should go ahead. This is a decision that will be made by your local planning authority. 
Whereas Building regulations (building control) is required  to ensure that any new building work meets building codes and regulation requirements; Building Regulations which are set out to protect the health and safety of people within the built environments. This is done by reviewing the plans and details submitted with an application and then inspecting the construction work as it progresses on site.

The inspection includes foundations, damp proof, structural works, insulation, ventilation, heating and fire protection.

Meeting these requirements is the responsibility of the company completing the building work and the owner of the building. All building work must be independently verified to certify that all Building Regulations have been successfully met. Failure to comply can prove costly, both economically and as a drain on time better spent dedicated to completing your project. 

How do I know if I need Building Control Approval?

Some building projects are exempt from the regulations, however generally if you are planning to carry out ‘building work’ then it is best to check if building requirements apply to your specific project, this will avoid any unnecessary interruptions to your works.

Examples of where an application may be required are extensions, loft conversions and structural alterations.

Building Control process:

Prior to making your application it is beneficial for you to discuss your proposals with an experienced architect, this can help you move your project forward quicker and easier.

Types of applications

Building notice; This is most suitable for minor projects like small extensions or changes inside your home. You should make your building notice application at least 48 hours in advance of starting work.

Full plans application: This is the more detailed application suitable for larger, more complex projects. To make a full plans submission you will need to prepare or have prepared detailed plans of your proposals drawn to a suitable scale.

The main difference between the two methods is that a building notice does not require the submission of detailed plans.

There are two ways in which you can obtain building regulations approval, firstly you will need to decide whether you will use a local authority inspector from your local council, run through Local Authority Building Control (LABC), or an ‘approved inspector.’

Most local authorities have their own building control departments, and you can submit your project for approval directly to this department to be granted a completion certificate. Alternatively, an Approved inspector should be registered with the Construction Industry Council and can advise, assess information from your architect, builder, structural engineer etc and, finally, issue a certificate to say work complies with the building regulations.

• After you have decided which route you are going to take as above, the initial step is to decide if you are required to submit Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice, Complete the appropriate form and submit it to the Authority with any additional information (i.e., plans, structural calculations) and the appropriate fee.

• Submitting the Initial Notice should take five working days. Therefore, it is essential that building work should not start until the submission of the Initial Notice has been approved. 
• Inform the Authority 48 hours prior to commencing work on site; You will need to contact Building Control to do this.

• Arrange site visits to allow a Building Control Surveyor to inspect the work as it progresses; As building work progresses, inspections will be carried out at various stages in the development in order to check completed work, The number and type of inspections required depends on the type of work. Minor works need fewer inspections than complex projects.

• The final stage: after the completion inspection and if all work meets the requirements of the Building Regulations, either a completion certificate or a confirmation notice (dependent on type of application) will be issued and should be retained for any future property sale.

Hopefully, this blog has given you a good insight into building control, however if there is anything we have not answered, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to help.

If you are looking to make some home improvements or begin a new project, you may also find some of our other blogs useful; Blog – TJD Build (tjd-build.co.uk)