Site Inspections
Site Inspection Procedures
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Building Control carry out site inspections to determine that building works being undertaken comply with the Building Regulations. It is you and/ or your builder's responsibility to notify us once the various stages are reached to enable an inspection to be carried out. The number and nature of the site inspections vary according to the type of works being undertaken however for most domestic extensions the following inspections are normally made:
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Commencement |
This first inspection allows you to meet and discuss your proposals with your Building Control Surveyor. Particularly important for Building Notice applications where no plans have been submitted for approval. |
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Foundations |
Allows ground conditions to be checked to ensure that the foundations are sufficient to carry the load of your proposal. This inspection must take place before the foundation concrete is poured. |
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Oversite materials |
An inspection will be made before floor areas are covered to ensure materials over the site are suitable. |
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Damp-Proof Courses and Membranes |
Wall damp proof courses / floor damp proof membranes / radon barriers are to be inspected prior to covering with brickwork or concrete.
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Drainage Alignment and Fall |
All new drainage is inspected for alignment prior to covering over, and to ensure adequate access and fall is provided. |
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Pre-plasterboard |
Allows for the inspection of structural timber/steel members and first fixing prior to plasterboarding. |
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Drain Test |
Where ever possible the new foul drainage systems should have a water test carried out on them to check for performance and watertightness. |
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Prior to Occupation |
If you intend to occupy the building prior to completion of the full works, we need to carryout an inspection before occupation to ensure that the building is safe. |
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Completion |
Give us notification immediately the works are completed to allow this inspection to be carried out. If everything is found to be satisfactory and copies of appropriate commissioning certificates are provided a Completion Certificate will be issued. |
For commercial projects the above inspections (where appropriate) will be carried out. Also additional inspections may be made such as fire stopping checks and general construction inspections depending on size and scale of the project being undertaken.
It is important that you request a completion inspection as you will be required to provide a copy of your Completion Certificate when you sell your property. It is recommended that the builders are onsite during the completion inspection and that you do not make the final payment to them until you have received the Completion Certificate. If you have made payment in full to them prior to the completion inspection then you may find it difficult to get them to alter things if necessary. You should also be aware that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that work complies with the Building Regulations rests with the owner of the property.
You are also advised that the inspections, which Building Control undertakes, should not be confused with full site supervision. For further advice on site supervision services you should contact your architect or builder. The approval notice and completion certificate, which the Council issue are not a guarantee or warranty and the Council are not responsible for any economic loss, due to defects or failure to meet the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations.
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If you require further clarification in respect of any of the above please ask us for further information.
