Building Control in London – What are your options?
If you are planning a building project in London, Building Control is an important part of ensuring that the work complies with the Building Regulations.
For homeowners, architects, developers and contractors, considering Building Control early can help a project progress more smoothly and identify potential compliance issues before they become more difficult or costly to resolve.
Complete Building Control Ltd (CBC) is a Registered Building Control Approver providing professional Building Control services across London and other areas of England.
What Is Private Building Control?
Private Building Control allows you to appoint a Registered Building Control Approver rather than using the Building Control department of the local authority for eligible projects.
The purpose remains the same – to assess building work against the requirements of the Building Regulations.
CBC’s Registered Building Inspectors work with clients, architects, designers, builders and developers throughout the Building Control process, providing practical support from the design stages through to completion.
What Does a Registered Building Control Approver Do?
Building Control can involve considerably more than simply visiting a construction site.
Depending on the project, CBC’s Building Control service can include:
- Detailed examination of plans where required
- Advice and liaison with the design team
- Statutory consultations where applicable
- Site inspections during construction
- Assessment of supporting information and certification
- Support through to completion and the issuing of the Final Certificate
Getting Building Control involved at an appropriate stage can make it easier to identify potential issues while a project is still being designed.
Building Control for London Projects
CBC provides Building Control services covering the London area, working with homeowners and construction professionals on a range of developments.
Building Regulations requirements will vary according to the nature and complexity of the individual project.
Areas such as structural safety, fire safety, accessibility, ventilation and thermal performance may all need to be considered as part of the design.
For architects and developers, having access to Building Control advice during the design process can therefore be particularly valuable.
Pre-Application Advice
CBC offers Pre-Application Advice, subject to appointment instruction, which allows architects and developers to discuss a proposed project before making a full Building Regulation Application.
Our Registered Building Inspectors can provide a practical interpretation of the Approved Documents and consider important areas such as fire safety, thermal requirements and disabled access.
Identifying potential issues during the design stage can help reduce the likelihood of unforeseen changes and costs once construction is underway.
Plan Examination
Where required, CBC can undertake a detailed examination of the proposed plans.
This provides an opportunity for the design team to demonstrate how the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations will be met and to address potential issues before or during construction.
For more complex developments, CBC’s Registered Building Inspectors can work with the design team to consider practical ways of demonstrating compliance.
Site Inspections During Construction
Building Control continues throughout the construction phase.
CBC’s Registered Building Inspectors undertake the necessary site inspections as work progresses, working with the site team so that inspections can be arranged at the appropriate stages.
Good communication throughout construction is important so that relevant elements of the work can be inspected before they are covered or become difficult to assess.
What Happens When the Project Is Complete?
Building Control does not finish with the last site inspection.
Before a Final Certificate can be issued, the necessary project documentation must be in place. This includes the required Compliance Declarations from the relevant duty holders.
Once the works have been satisfactorily completed and the necessary documentation has been received and accepted, CBC can proceed with the Final Certificate process.
This is why Building Control should be considered throughout the entire development, from the initial design stages through construction and ultimately to completion.
Looking for Building Control in London?
If you are planning a domestic or commercial project in London, Complete Building Control Ltd can provide professional Building Control support from the early stages of the development through to completion.
Our team works with homeowners, architects, developers, designers and contractors, providing a practical and responsive approach to Building Regulations compliance.
Contact Complete Building Control Ltd to discuss your London project or request a quotation.