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] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
If the one of the parties to a contract fails to perform as required, this may constitute a breach of contract.
Research engineer Chris Thompson examines the crucial role of smarter systems in predicting failure.
Government could be failing in its human rights duty over combustible cladding, warns watchdog.
Conservation in the heritage cities of Venice and Liverpool.
Which room is the most fun to design? Find out the 'Grand Designs' presenter's unusual choice in our interview.
Full suite of speakers are announced for this year's BSRIA Briefing event.
Book your place for the Architectural Technology Awards 2018.
There are many ways of classifying types of building. Have a look at our range of building articles.
BSRIA have launched the 'major update' of the go-to design framework guide for building services.
How to get results with building life cycle assessment.
Government publishes a prospectus inviting proposals for new 'garden communities'.