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We understand that navigating the Building Regulations can be a complex process and so work in partnership with you, to guide your project to a successful completion.

Prior to commencing work, you will need to determine if your project requires a Building Regulation application. We are more than happy to discuss your project with you to advise if an application is required and provide you with a formal fee quote.

Some of the services we offer include:

  • Pre-submission advice – if required we can provide advice prior to the project starting, including visiting site.
  • Initial Notice Submission – we will submit an Initial Notice on your behalf to the Local Authority. The Initial Notice serves two purposes, first it informs the Local Authority that the Building Control on your project will be undertaken by Approved Inspectors Ltd and secondly it registers the project on the Local Authority’s system so that future legal searches can be carried out by conveyancing Solicitors.
  • Design Stage Assessment – we will check your plans for compliance with the Building Regulations and provide a report detailing areas of non-compliance.
  • Consultations – where necessary we will consult with relevant statutory bodies such as the water authority.
  • Key Stage Inspections – all projects are issued with an Inspection and Intervention Plan (IIP) which outlines the key stages at which we need to inspect the project. Approved Inspectors Ltd will continually review this plan throughout the duration of the project to ensure the site inspection regime is tailored to your project.
  • Final Certificate – on satisfactory completion of the project we will issue a Final Certificate.

Typical Project Timeline

FAQ

  • What are the Building Regulations?
    The Building Regulations are a set of standards issued by the government by which new buildings and alterations to existing buildings must comply. They ensure the health and safety of people using the buildings, ensure suitable access and facilities and promote sustainable development.
  • What is Building Control?
    Building Control is the term used to described the process of checking if your project complies with the Building Regulations.
  • Do I need Building Regulation approval?
    Most building projects will need to comply with the Building Regulations and they can apply even when planning approval is not required. Some smaller projects may be exempt. For more information get in touch using the contact form or by phone for an initial discussion.
  • How do I engage Approved Inspectors Ltd on my project?
    Please confirm our appointment by completing the Appointment Form sent with the Fee Quote. We will then sign an Initial Notice on your behalf and submit to the relevant Local Authority.
  • How do I make payment?
    Fees are required to be paid in full on submission of the Initial Notice. Payments can be made by cheque (made payable to Approved Inspectors Ltd), debit or credit card phone payment or BACS transfer.
  • When can I start on site?
    Approved Inspectors Ltd must be appointed to the project and the Initial Notice submitted prior to work starting on site. Following that please ensure that we are notified of the start date of work at least two days before work starts on site.
  • What is the difference between start and commencement date?
    Start date is the day you start on the permanent works (this doesn't include demolition). For new buildings or horizontal extensions work is regarded as commenced when the subsurface structure of the building or the extension (including all foundations, basements levels (if any) and the structure of the ground floor level) is completed. For other building work (e.g. loft conversions, internal alterations) work is regarded as commenced when 15% of the work is completed. Please notify us not more than five days after the day on which the work is to be regarded as commenced.
  • When do I need an inspection?
    At the beginning of the project we will send you an Inspection and Intervention Plan (IIP) which outlines the key stages of the project which we will need to inspect. Please contact us when you reach one of these stages so an inspection can be booked in.
  • How do I book an inspection?
    Once Approved Inspectors Ltd has been appointed on your project you can book an inspection with one of our surveyors by calling your local office.
  • How often do I need to update you on the progress of my project?
    Please update us on the progress of your project at least once every 28 days. This ensures that we receive all the relevant information regarding your project and enables us to arrange the necessary inspections to view the project on site as it progresses. An update could be a phone call, email to update@approvedinspectorsltd.co.uk or an inspection (if you have reached one of the stages on your Inspection and Intervention Plan). If we don't hear from you for 28 days we will get in touch via email for an update. Please add update@approvedinspectorsltd.co.uk to your safe senders list.
  • What do I need to do at the end of my project?
    Please ensure you (or your contractor) requests a final inspection. We may also request additional certificates before the work can be signed off e.g. electrical and gas certificates.
  • What is a Final Certificate?
    The Final Certificate is issued after the final completion inspection and when our surveyor is happy the work complies with the Building Regulations.
  • Can I move in before receiving the Final Certificate?
    If you occupy a building which is non-compliant for more than eight weeks the local authority may deem the Initial Notice invalid. In these cases, please contact us as soon as possible so we can request an Extension of Time to ensure you have longer to complete the work.
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