Persons carrying out the work should notify Building Control at key stages of construction and request inspections when required.
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Structure works and pre-plaster inspections are frequently combined.
Additional inspections may be required depending on the construction method, project complexity or identified risks.
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Drainage inspections are normally only required where drainage is altered or installed.
Structure and pre-plaster inspections are frequently combined.
Typical inspection notification stages
Commencement
Structural works
Pre-plaster
Completion
Additional guidance
Dormer loft conversions may require an additional inspection whilst dormer construction remains visible.
Structural alterations and underpinning
Examples include:
Loadbearing wall removals
Structural openings
Chimney breast removals
Structural floor alterations
Through-floor lifts
Roof structure alterations
Rooflight installations
Underpinning
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Structural inspections should normally be requested before structural elements are concealed.
This may include:
steelwork;
lintels;
bearings;
supports;
floor structures;
roof structures; and
underpinning works.
Some roof alteration and underpinning projects may require additional inspections.
Typical inspection notification stages
Garages, carports and outbuildings
Typical inspection notification stages
Examples include:
New drainage
Drain diversions
Septic tanks
Package treatment plants
Typical inspection notification stages
Commencement
Drainage line and level
Drainage testing
Completion
Examples include:
Replacement pitched roof coverings;
Replacement flat roof coverings; and
Roof insulation upgrades associated with re-roofing works.
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Inspections should normally be requested before roof covering is fully completed and construction details are concealed.
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Additional inspections may be required where drainage installations are altered or structural floors are modified.
Thermal upgrades, windows and external wall insulation
Examples include:
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Where external wall insulation is installed, inspection should normally take place before render or final finishes are applied.
HMOs and flat conversions
Typical inspection notification stages
Additional guidance
Additional inspections may be required where extensive compartmentation, fire protection measures or structural alterations are involved.
Commercial, complex and bespoke projects
Commercial and complex projects may not follow a standard inspection notification sequence due to the likely individual nature of the work being undertaken.
Examples include:
Inspection requirements will be agreed with the Building Inspector and kept under review throughout the project.
Notification at commencement and completion stages is required in all instances.
Completion inspections and completion certificates
A completion inspection should be requested once the building work has been completed.
Why is this important?
A Completion Certificate provides evidence that Building Regulations approval was obtained and may be required if the property is sold, re-mortgaged or otherwise conveyed in the future.
Please don't forget to request your completion inspection
Building Regulation applications may be archived where a completion inspection has not been requested. Future Building Control involvement after an application has been archived may incur additional charges.
A Completion Certificate cannot normally be issued until:
all required notifications and inspections have been completed;
any required supporting information has been submitted; and
Building Control is satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations have been met.
Inspection notification stages shown on this page represent those normally expected for common types of building work. They do not constitute a project-specific inspection schedule.
Inspection stages may be combined, omitted, supplemented or varied depending on the nature, complexity, sequencing and risk associated with the works.
Inspection requirements will be reviewed throughout the project by the Building Inspector, who will normally advise what inspection stage is required next and whether any additional inspections are required.
Failure to notify Building Control at the appropriate stages and request inspections when required may result in elements of work having to be opened up for inspection, delays in the completion process and difficulty demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations.