It’s important to ensure that any building work you do complies with current regulations. This will keep costs down and make sure all projects can go ahead without delays or other complications due to their lack of compliance. Getting your approval can be a nerve-wracking experience, which is why we have compiled a list of top tips for getting it the first time. Keep reading to find out!

Submit the Right Application

The three main options for building control applications are full plans, a notice of proposed work and regularisation (a retrospective application relating to previously unauthorised works). The type of application will have an impact on what supporting documents are required, expected timelines and costs. If you are thinking about adding to your home or starting from scratch, the council must approve the plan of work submitted. A map is required for any extensions and new buildings, so ensure this is compliant with local regulations before submitting. It is common for approval to be rejected due to failure here. You should choose an accredited provider to save time and money.

Do Your Research

Research is an important part of your project, and investing time in it early on can go a long way. Learning the difference between building control and planning permission is vital, as well as knowing your responsibilities. Building regulations are the backbone of any home. They ensure that your house is structurally sound and environmentally safe, so you can live in peace knowing it’s been properly inspected by experts who know their stuff! On the other hand, planning permissions are generally about how the building looks.
You have come to the right place for answers! There are plenty of resources out there that can help guide you through this process. At any point along your journey, whether it be now or later on down the line when things get more complicated, all we need from our clients is honesty, so don’t hesitate to tell us how things stand. Building regulations are subject to change, so it’s important that you stay up-to-date with the most current, authoritative content.

Understand Your Responsibilities

If you’re going down the builder route, it’s vital to make sure they are aware of any regulations your area has in place. You should also make sure you both know who is making sure the regulations are met, and who will be talking to local authorities about the matter. If your builder is registered with a Competent Persons scheme, they may be able to certify some or all of the work that’s being undertaken.
Your Building Control Body (BCB) will likely need to visit the site during various stages of your project. They can advise on what you should expect and how things are going at each stage, ensuring that there are no issues with work being done in relation to certain regulations or laws! There are many things to take into consideration before starting any construction project, including whether or not you need planning permission.

Have You Done This Kind of Job Before?

If possible, it’s always best to choose an experienced builder who has had plenty of practice building the type of structure you are looking for. To ensure they are fully qualified for the job, ask them for details of similar previous projects. You may even be able to call up their previous customers to ask whether you could have a look at the builder’s work. This will give you a rough idea of what you can expect from their work.

Contact All Building Control for the Best Services

Building regulations are a crucial part of construction and are ultimately what will keep you safe. They will also make sure the building is energy efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible. Here at All Building Control, we strive to provide our customers with quality service by conducting thorough examinations and issuing complete reports. All Building Control are the team to call for complete reassurance when it comes to building projects. Contact us today for more information on our services.

Building control is often something people don’t consider when it comes to buying or building properties. As building surveyors, there are certain questions that we get asked time and time again. To make it easier for our current and prospective clients, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answered them as thoroughly as possible. If anything springs to mind that we haven’t covered in this blog, never hesitate to reach out to the friendly team at All Building Control. We are always more than happy to help people understand the process a bit better to make the entire experience as easy as possible.

What are Building Regulations?

Simply put, building regulations are a set of rules laid out by local authorities to ensure properties are structurally safe and efficient, among other things. While they are in place primarily to keep anyone who enters the building as safe as possible, they also cover elements such as energy efficiency and accessibility for disabled people.

Will I Need Building Control?

This typically depends on the project. However, building control is generally required for most major construction works. Common projects necessitating building control include extensions and conversions. You will need to apply for building regulations in order for the building control team to check your work abides by the guidelines. 

When Don’t I Need Building Control?

While most major works will require building control, there are several smaller projects that won’t involve our input. You won’t need to apply for building control when it comes to maintenance work, garden walls or fences, minor repairs and additional power or lighting points and switches, unless they are around a bath or shower. Greenhouses, temporary buildings, small conservatories or porches, covered yards, small garages, and some ancillary buildings are amongst the few buildings that do not require building control approval.

Should I Tell My Neighbours About My Building Project?

We always strongly recommend talking to your neighbours about your building works, particularly if they are likely to be affected by noise, dust or the finished work. If your construction project involves shared walls or boundaries, you may need to get your neighbours’ permission through a Party Wall Agreement. If you are unsure how to go about this process, the team at All Building Control are more than happy to help you with the process.

What Happens If My Work Doesn’t Comply With Building Regulations?

Should your local council building control team deem your work to be below certain standards, you may be asked to either alter or pull it down. In cases where people continually fail to meet building regulation standards, local authorities may issue a fine or pursue legal action. 

As building surveyors, it is our role to check in on construction projects, ensure they are running smoothly and comply with regulations, and offer advice on how to improve the process. When it comes to your property, we know you want nothing less than the best. That’s why it’s so essential to ensure your builder is professional, qualified and will complete your project to the highest quality possible. We have compiled a list of questions we highly recommend asking your builder before starting to ensure they are the best person for the job.

Do You Offer Written Quotes?

In order to know you are getting the most bang for your buck, we suggest getting a minimum of three quotes from various builders. This will ensure your price is reasonable and that the builder is aware of everything you want doing during the building process. Always make sure to ask for a written quote so that you can ensure that everything is detailed. It should break down every aspect of the job. This will give you a more accurate estimation than a verbal quote and should reassure you that your money is going to good use. It should include details of the completion date, safety on site, waste management, working hours and onsite toilet facilities.

When Can You Start?

Many builders are in high demand and cannot afford to start work on a brand new project right away. For this reason, you need to make sure you are both on the same page about when the project is beginning and how long roughly it will take to complete. This will allow you to avoid any confusion and strengthen the communication between you and your builder.

How Many Jobs Are You Currently Working On?

As mentioned above, you need to make sure both you and the builder are on the same page throughout the entire process to prevent any mixups. Their answer to this question will likely vary depending on the size of their team. It’s not unusual for bigger teams to take on several construction projects at once, as they have the employees and resources to do so efficiently. However, if the team is significantly smaller, they may prefer to focus on one project at a time. We recommend avoiding small builders who opt to take on multiple projects at once, as it may be that the quality of your project is compromised for the sake of their busy schedule.

Have You Done This Kind of Job Before?

If possible, it’s always best to choose an experienced builder who has had plenty of practice building the type of structure you are looking for. To ensure they are fully qualified for the job, ask them for details of similar previous projects. You may even be able to call up their previous customers to ask whether you could have a look at the builder’s work. This will give you a rough idea of what you can expect from their work.

Get in Touch With Expert Building Surveyors to Make the Most Out of Your Project

Throughout your construction project, you need to make sure that the builder’s work is safe, energy-efficient and liveable. Otherwise, you risk your future safety and may have to pay out large sums for maintenance and repairs. Here at All Building Control, we conduct thorough examinations of properties to uncover any issues, providing you with a complete report detailing any problems we advise getting seen. For complete reassurance when it comes to your building project, get in touch with the team at All Building Control today.

Many people looking into buying a new house or involved in construction projects are pretty oblivious when it comes to building surveillance. If you’re a first-time buyer, you might not even know what building surveying is, why is why we’re here to tell you just how important it is.
To put it plainly, a building surveyor inspects properties before people move in to ensure it is structurally safe, energy-efficient and inhabitable. Once they have inspected the property, it is the building surveyor’s job to liaise with the builders, contractors, architects and engineers to ensure they are doing their job properly and take on all the advice they are given concerning the safety of the property. Every building should comply with legal regulations to guarantee its total security. It should also abide by environmental laws to avoid wreaking havoc on the planet.

When Might I Need a Building Surveyor?

While many often only associate building surveillance with new builds, either residential or commercial, they are also often necessary for other instances, such as when you are planning an extension or renovation of your existing property. Equally, it may be essential to have a property surveyed if you are hoping to move into a new home. This will ensure you are aware of all the potential risks and defects of the property before you decide whether or not to go ahead with your purchase.

What Will They Do?

Your building surveyor will perform a thorough examination of the property or land to identify any potential risks or faults and determine how to advise the property contractors. Their report will inform you of how best to repair and maintain the property. In the case of new builds, they will oversee the entire project, from the initial planning stages all the way through to completion. This will ensure the whole project goes smoothly. Their extensive list of connections in the construction sector and management expertise will likely also prove highly useful throughout your project.

It’s no secret that property buying can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, especially if you’re looking to build one from scratch. Hiring a professional building surveyor can relieve this stress in countless ways, as they will essentially do all the complex and tricky bits for you. Throughout your project, they will also be available to answer any and all of your questions and provide expert advice for speeding the process along. Your surveyor will likely become the main point of contact for everybody working on the project, minimising confusion and taking some of the hassles off your shoulders.

What Else Can They Do For Me?

The role of a building surveyor doesn’t end with inspections. Here at All Building Control, our surveyors are also experts in handling party wall matters, assisting with planning permissions and carrying out statutory consultations with local fire and sewage authorities where necessary. When your inspection has finished, they will issue you and the local authority an official certificate proving satisfactory completion of building works.

Contact All Building Control For the Best Service

We are a Corporate Approved Inspector and always make it our mission to go above and beyond for our customers. Our team is passionate about what they do and always makes sure to meet the standards set by ISO 9001. If you’d like to enquire about our services or receive a free quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team today.