A guide to Building Control in Cheshire
Whether you are extending a home, altering an existing building or planning a commercial development, Building Control is an important consideration from the early stages of a project.
Complete Building Control Ltd (CBC) provides professional Building Control services across Cheshire, supporting homeowners, architects, developers, designers and contractors through the Building Regulations process.
CBC is a Registered Building Control Approver and has a regional office in Cheshire, providing Building Control support across the surrounding areas.
When Is Building Control Required?
Building Regulations apply to many types of building work.
Depending on the project, this can include:
- Extensions and renovations
- Structural alterations
- Property conversions
- New developments
- Commercial and office developments
The requirements will depend on the type and complexity of the work being undertaken.
It is also important to remember that Building Control and Planning Permission are separate processes. A project may require Building Control involvement regardless of its Planning Permission requirements.
Starting the Building Control Process Early
One of the most useful steps architects, developers and clients can take is to consider Building Control early in the development of a project.
Waiting until construction is underway can make potential compliance issues more difficult and expensive to resolve.
CBC offers Pre-Application Advice, subject to appointment instruction, allowing architects and developers to discuss a proposed project before making a full Building Regulation Application.
This can include consideration of areas such as fire safety, thermal requirements and disabled access.
Plan Checking and Design Support
Where required, CBC can undertake a detailed examination of plans to assess how the proposed design addresses the relevant Building Regulations requirements.
Our Registered Building Inspectors work with design teams to provide practical guidance and help identify potential issues.
On more complex projects, there may be different ways of demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations. Early communication between the design team and Building Control can be particularly valuable in these circumstances.
Statutory Consultations
Depending on the nature of the project, statutory consultations may also be required.
As part of its Building Control service, CBC can manage applicable consultations with the relevant Sewage Authority and Fire Authority, collating the feedback so that the design team can respond to matters raised.
Building Control Inspections
Once work starts on site, Building Control inspections form an important part of the process.
CBC’s Registered Building Inspectors undertake the necessary site inspections during construction, working with the site team so that inspections can take place at the appropriate stages.
The exact inspections required will depend upon the nature and complexity of the individual project.
Keeping the Building Control team informed as construction progresses helps ensure that relevant elements can be inspected before they are covered.
From Design Through to Completion
Building Control should be considered as part of the complete development process rather than simply an inspection that takes place during construction.
CBC can support projects through plan examination, statutory consultations where applicable, site inspections and the completion process.
Before the Final Certificate can be issued, the necessary documentation must also be provided, including the required Compliance Declarations from the relevant duty holders.
Once the project has been satisfactorily completed and the necessary documentation has been received and accepted, CBC can proceed with the Final Certificate process.
Building Control Across Cheshire
With an office in Cheshire, CBC provides a responsive Building Control service across the surrounding region.
Our Registered Building Inspectors work with homeowners, builders, architects and developers, providing professional Building Control support throughout the development process.
For architects and developers working across different areas, CBC’s regional approach also provides access to professional Building Control support across its wider areas of operation in England.
Planning a Project in Cheshire?
If you are planning building work in Cheshire and require professional Building Control support, speak to Complete Building Control Ltd.
Whether you are at the early design stage or preparing for a new development, our team can discuss your project and explain how CBC can assist.
Contact Complete Building Control Ltd to discuss your Cheshire project or request a quotation.