While planning approval is not always needed for modifications to a property, Building Control Approval is.
Building Regulations are set by the Government and apply across England and Wales and are set out in the Building Act 1984. They set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.
If the work you undertake does not comply with Building Regulations, you may be asked to alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the Local Authority or its approved provider of Building Control services, like Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP), may serve a notice requiring you do so within 28 days, and you will be liable for the costs.
Failure to obtain Building Control approval could invalidate your building’s insurance and put occupants at risk.
While the consequences of not obtaining Building Control Approval are serious, the process to secure it is relatively simple. Below, we have outlined the five-step process to ensuring your property’s building work comply with Building Regulations.
1 – Get in touch
DBCP is the recommended provider of Building Control services in Derbyshire. Our business brings together the experience and knowledge of six established Local Authority Building Control services – Chesterfield Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Derby City Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.
As a Local Authority Building Control (LABC) partner we also have access to a wealth of information and resources.
We can provide expert advice from the planning stage, pre application, to ensure your project gains regulatory approval. We can also advise what application you need to make.
We offer guidance as to which type of application is relevant to you here, or you can contact a member of our expert team if you’d like to talk through your options.
2 – Submit your application
Six different types of building control application can be made through DBCP. These are:
- Building notice
- Full plans
- Regularisation
- Demolition
- Partnership
- Reversion
We know that there’s plenty to think about when you’re making an application and you want to get it right first time to avoid any delays that’s why there are a number of ways to submit your application.
- If you need support completing the application, then speak to a member of our team on 0333 880 2000
- Submit your application via our website at www.dbcp.co.uk
- Download a copy of the application form, complete it and post it to us
- Make an appointment and speak to a member of our team in person at our Chesterfield or Derby office
All contact details for our offices can be found here
3 – Agree inspection visits
Once we receive your application, then we’ll get in touch with you to agree the difference stages we need to inspect your property during the construction phase. One of our building inspectors will undertake regular site visits throughout
A key thing to remember here is that compliance with regulations, standards and other legislation is the responsibility of the property owner. Make sure that if you’re a self-builder you have the tools and knowledge required, and that if you’re bringing in tradespeople that they are qualified and reputable.
If you wish to deviate from the approved plans, as is common during projects, please contact us ahead of make changes to discuss any implications they may have. This can save you time and money in the long run.
4 – The Building Control surveyor visit
As per what has been agreed, a DBCP Building Control Surveyors will visit your site to inspect the progress of your build.
If you choose a Full Plans application, you will know from the start that the working drawings have been checked and approved by the building inspector and that the plans fully comply with all of the Building Regulations.
As the job moves forward the building inspector will usually carry out additional checks, including:
- 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 herringbone 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 list can be exhaustive, but it is tailored to your project.
5 – The completion visit
This visit takes place once all works are complete. When our surveyor is happy that the work conforms to Buildings Regulations, they will issue you with a completion certificate – a document used by solicitors/personal search agents when you come to sell the property. It is also used by mortgage lenders and property insurers so is not something you want to misplace! Keep this document safe.
At this stage you can rest assured that the improvements you have made to your property are safe and sound for current and future occupiers.
Remember, if you’re not sure about any stage of securing Building Control Approval, get in touch with our team – they’re here to help!