Building regulations inspections
The Building Regulations set out requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. Building regulations approvals can be sought either from the building control department of the local authority or from an approved inspector. The approval may involve desk studies to verify submitted information and / or inspections.
Very small projects and changes to an existing buildings can obtain building regulations approval purely by inspection. Larger, new-build projects, will generally require a 'full plans' application, meaning that full details of the proposed building works are submitted for approval before the works are carried out, and then inspections are carried out to ensure that the works have been undertaken in accordance with the approved information.
The number and frequency of inspections will depend on the nature of the works being undertaken. Typically they will take place at key stages such as:
- Commencement.
- Excavation, (before excavations are filled).
- Foundations (before they are covered up).
- Laying of damp proof courses.
- Installation of new drains (before covering up).
- Construction of the primary structure.
- Installation of insulation.
- Roof construction.
- Completion.
Advance notice of the progress of the works must be given to the relevant building control body so that they are able to schedule inspections at the appropriate times. If the appropriate inspections have not been carried out, a completion certificate may not be issued, and it may be necessary to open up parts of the works so that inspections can be carried out.
NB: Competent person self-certifications schemes (or competent person schemes) introduced in 2002 allow registered installers (mostly small firms or sole traders) who are competent in their field to self-certify certain types of building work. See Competent person self-certifications schemes for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.