Building Consents Ltd are Approved Building Inspectors covering England and Wales
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When undertaking a new build, extension, or structural alterations to your home, it is essential to obtain Building Regulations approval from a building inspector. In England and Wales, Approved Inspectors are the only Building Control Bodies that are approved, independently monitored, and regulated by CICAIR under the Building Act 1984 to carry out building control work. They are registered with CICAIR Ltd and are qualified to undertake building control work in accordance with Part II of the Building Act 1984 and the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010. Working in partnership with you, Approved Inspectors guide you through the Building Regulation approval process to ensure the successful completion of your project.
Both private building control inspectors and local authority building inspectors adhere to the same set of building regulations to ensure compliance with the regulations. Whether you choose to work with a private building control inspector or go through the local authority building control route, they both follow the same standards and practices. Both types of inspectors will review and sign off on the technical drawings for your build and conduct site visits at specific points to ensure that the work is progressing in line with regulations. By having an inspector involved, you can avoid costly remedial work in the future.
While both local authority building control and private approved inspectors adhere to the same rules and regulations, there are some differences between them. The application process differs, with private building control inspectors applying for approval and providing an "initial notice" to the local authority about the building project. Upon completion, the private building inspector will issue a completion certificate to the local authority, confirming that the work has been completed in accordance with building regulations. On the other hand, if you choose the local authority building control route, you will need to apply for approval yourself via the government planning portal.
At Building Consents Ltd, we pride ourselves on the qualifications and expertise of our approved inspectors. Our team consists of qualified professionals with extensive building control experience in both the public and private sectors. Most of our building control surveyors hold an HNC, HND, degree, or equivalent qualification and are typically accredited members of professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building Engineers (CABE), or The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
When you work with a private building inspector, you benefit from their close collaboration with architects, designers, builders, and engineers. They ensure that building designs and plans comply with regulations and suggest ways to make the project more cost-effective, such as reducing energy and water use. Additionally, private building inspectors conduct regular site inspections at each stage of the building process, write inspection reports, and keep detailed records. They ultimately issue completion certificates to confirm compliance with building regulations.
At Building Consents, our inspections cover various aspects of construction, including foundations, damp-proofing, structural issues, insulation, ventilation, heating, sanitation, accessibility, fire protection, and means of escape in case of fire. We leave no stone unturned in ensuring that your project meets all necessary requirements.
The building inspector's checks vary depending on the type of build. For example, in a domestic extension, the inspection process includes multiple stages. The first inspection allows you to meet with the building control surveyor to discuss your proposals and plan the course of action. Inspections are conducted for foundations, oversite materials, damp-proof courses and membranes, drainage alignment, drain tests, pre-plasterboard work, prior to occupation, and completion. Each inspection serves a specific purpose in ensuring compliance with regulations and identifying any issues that need to be addressed.
During inspections, the building inspector may also assess other elements of the build, such as floor and ceiling joists, roof timber/trusses, thermal and sound insulation, structural integrity, fire safety, glazing regulations, and staircase compliance. These checks are crucial to ensure that the building meets all necessary standards and regulations.
By working with Building Consents Ltd, you can be confident that your building project will be meticulously inspected and compliant with all applicable regulations. Our experienced and qualified inspectors provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the building control process.
How a Private Building Inspector helps:
• Works closely with architects, designers, builders, and engineers.
• Makes sure building designs and plans meet regulations.
• Suggests ways to make the building project more cost effective like reducing energy and water use.
• Carry out regular site inspections at each stage of the building process.
• Write inspection reports and keep records.
• Issue completion certificates.
At Building Consents, we check all aspects of construction including but not limited to:
• foundations
• damp-proofing
• structural issues
• insulation
• ventilation
• heating
• sanitation
• the accessibility of a building
• fire protection and means of escape in case of fire
Checks by the Building Inspector
This varies with each type of build below is a domestic extension to give an example of possible inspection checks.
Commencement: The first inspection will allow you to meet and discuss your proposals and subsequent course of action with your building control surveyor. This is particularly important for building notice applications where no plans have been submitted for approval.
Foundations: They will look to check ground conditions to ensure that the foundations are sufficient to carry the load of your construction. This is before any foundations concrete is poured.
Oversite Materials: Another inspection will be made to ensure materials and insulation over the site are suitable.
Damp-Proof Courses and Membranes: All damp-proof courses, damp proof membranes, and methane barriers are to be inspected prior to covering with brickwork or concrete.
Drainage Alignment: All new drainage needs to be inspected for alignment prior to covering over. This is to ensure the right access and fall is provided.
Drain Test: Wherever possible, the new drainage systems should have a water test carried out on them, to check for performance and water tightness.
Pre-Plasterboard: Allows for the inspection of hidden work and is to be carried out prior to plaster-boarding. This will also include any structural steelwork and the roof construction.
Prior to Occupation: If there is an intention to occupy the building prior to completion of the full works, then there needs to be an inspection before occupation.
Completion: Notification is required when the works are completed to allow this inspection to be carried out. If everything is found to be satisfactory, a completion certificate will be issued. Ideally, this inspection is carried out before the builder leaves the site.
They may also look for the following:
• They may need to see the floor and ceiling joists to ensure they are in accordance with the approved drawing.
• They will want to check the size, grade and centres of the joists, together with any strutting and restraint strapping.
• All of the roof timber/trusses may be checked for correct size and grade of timbers at the correct spacing.
• They will be interested in both thermal and sound insulation to make sure it is of the correct type and thickness.
• The structural integrity of the building is very important, but equally the fire safety and glazing regulations need to be precisely adhered to.
• The staircase must conform to several important rules. If there are problems they can be expensive to put right.
• The approved plans do not always illustrate compliance to every regulation and on-site mistakes can happen.
For an informal discussion about your project, or to discuss our services feel free to contact us or request a quote.