Understanding the Building Control Process

When considering carrying out any building work on your property, it is important to consider the process of building control. By implementing building control in the right way you can avoid any common mistakes that can occur.

What is Building Control?

Building control is a regulatory process to ensure that any project adheres to and safely complies with national building standards. The building standards are designed to maintain health and safety whilst also protecting the environment. This is overseen by regulated building control officers ensuring that compliance is met.

Importance of Building Control

The role of building control helps to ensure that any construction project that is planned meets the standards set. These building standards include ensuring structural integrity, fire safety, and energy efficiency of the building and its accessibility features. With all of these standards being met, then your home as an investment is safeguarded keeping you safe at all times allowing peace of mind.

The Building Control Process: Step-by-Step

1. Initial Planning and Design: Before any construction can start, the project must be carefully planned to comply with all building regulations. Working with an experienced architect will ensure a detailed plan meeting the required building standards.
2. Submitting Your Application: A building control will need to be submitted to local authorities or a registered building control company. The application must include all proposed plans and details of the proposed building work, for there are three types of building control applications:
   • Full Plans Application: this application involves a comprehensive review of all proposed building plans and any specifications before work can begin.
   • Building Notice Application: this application involves a much simpler process designed for much smaller projects with works that can start quicker but hold higher risks for any future issues that may occur.
   • Regularisation Application:  this application is required for any building works that have already been carried out without consent and the owners wish them to officially conform to Building Regulations.
3. Plan Examination: Once your application has been submitted, your building plans will then be examined by regulated building control officers ensuring that they meet all of the regulatory requirements. If any issues are highlighted then you will be required to make the amendments to your building plans.
4. Site Inspections: During the construction process, building control will carry out a series of inspections. The importance of these inspections occurs at key stages of the building work including the laying of the foundation, any structural work, and finally during the completion of the project.
5. Completion Certificate: Once the project has been completed and the final inspection has been carried out, you shall receive a certificate of completion. The certificate is proof that your project complies with the building regulations that were set out before the project started. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Inadequate Planning: Ensuring your building plans are thorough and detailed will prevent any delays and additional costs from being accrued.
• Skipping Inspections: Making sure that the building work is scheduled correctly and meets the regulations of the inspections. Failing or missing an inspection may result in work being undone or having to be redone.
• Ignoring Regulations: You must stay informed about any building regulations that are relevant to your project.

Tips for a Smooth Building Control Experience

• Hire Experienced Professionals: The building work must be carried out by qualified architects, builders, and contractors who are familiar with the building control requirements that your project must meet.
• Communicate Regularly: Communication is vital between yourself and your assigned building control officer so any concerns or questions can be addressed.
• Keep Records: Make sure that all documents are kept safe, especially those that relate to inspections and approvals. These may be needed if any future disputes or issues arise.

Completely understanding the process of building control means that as a new homeowner your project can meet the essential building regulations, completing this will ensure that only safety in your investment but also allow for peace of mind.

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