Building regulation and inspection process

Checking the application

If an application meets current building regulation standards, then the application will be approved.

In some cases, a conditional approval will be issued if additional information is not available at the time the application was submitted and approved.

Conditional approval needs to take place prior to the relevant work commencing on site.

View information on how to apply for building regulation approval.

Site inspections

The purpose of site inspections is to make sure that the person carrying out the work complies with building regulations before any work is covered up.

You can book an inspection by telephoning 01257 515162 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5pm).

Alteration and installations

We need to inspect your work at least 2 working days before you cover up any elements or fittings and within 5 working days of all work finishing.

Substantial building work

You, or your builder, must tell us:

• at commencement of work
• at excavation for foundations
• prior to covering any reinforcing steel in foundations
• prior to covering up any hardcore or damp proof membrane
• prior to covering drains
• prior to plastering or encasing walls, beams, columns or ceilings
• prior to occupation (if prior to completion)
• on final completion

For these stages you must let us know at least 1 full working day before the work starts, and within 5 working days of all work finishing.

We may also make additional inspections where we feel these are necessary.

We recommend that you take an interest in the work you are having carried out. Arrange to meet the builder and Building Control Surveyor together on site so that any building regulations problems can be resolved before the builder leaves the site.

Book an inspection

You can book an inspection or make a payment by telephoning 01257 515162 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5pm).

Completion certificates

Please note: It is your legal responsibility to notify us no later than 5 days after the work has been completed.

On completion we will provide, on request, a certificate to verify that your work has been inspected.

A completion certificate can be presented to financial institutions, solicitors, surveyors and so on, when evidence is needed that the work has been completed to the satisfaction of the council.

We always recommend that you obtain the completion certificate before settling your final account with your contractor. It can prove difficult to get contractors back to site to rectify defects once they have been paid.

An approval notice or completion certificate issued by the council should not be considered as a guarantee or warranty. We are not liable for any economic loss due to defects or failure to meet minimum requirements of the regulations.

Quality of work

Please be aware building regulations are not a means to control the quality of work. You may be unhappy with the work you have had carried out but if it meets the minimum health and safety standards of the building regulations, we are obliged to deem the work satisfactory.

You will need to speak to your builder if you are unhappy with the work undertaken.