How to establish a building control notification procedure

To establish a robust Building Control procedure, you must ensure that every project is assessed for Building Regulations compliance before a single brick is laid. Your process should mandate the selection of a Building Control Body—either the Local Authority or a private provider—and define a clear timeline for submitting applications and booking mandatory site inspections to secure the final Completion Certificate.

1. Create a Project Assessment Checklist

The first step in your procedure is identifying if the work falls under the Building Regulations. Not every job requires notification (for example, most minor "like-for-like" repairs), but most structural changes do. Your internal process should trigger a Building Control review if the project involves:

• Structural alterations (e.g., removing a load-bearing wall).
• Installing or altering drainage or "wet" appliances (toilets, showers).
• Work affecting fire safety (including changing internal doors in certain buildings).
• Extensions or roof conversions.
• Replacing windows or heating systems (unless using a Competent Person Scheme).

2. Define the Application Route

Your procedure should specify which type of application to use based on the project's complexity. You have two main options in the UK:

Route	Best For...	How it Works
Full Plans	Larger or complex projects.	You submit detailed drawings before starting. The inspector approves the plans, giving you "peace of mind" that the design is compliant.
Building Notice	Minor domestic works.	A quicker route where you notify the council 48 hours before starting. No formal plan approval is given; compliance is checked entirely on-site.

3. Select a Building Control Body

Decide whether your business will default to Local Authority Building Control (LABC) or use a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA)—private firms that perform the same function. Private providers often offer more consistency and faster response times, which can be beneficial for a growing business, whereas LABC has unparalleled local knowledge.

4. Standardise the Inspection Schedule

Failure to notify Building Control at specific stages is a common pitfall. Build a "Mandatory Inspection Log" into your project management process. You must generally notify your inspector at the following stages:

1. Commencement: At least 48 hours before work starts.
2. Excavation: Before concrete is poured for foundations.
3. Oversite: Before the ground floor is covered.
4. Damp Proof Course (DPC): When the DPC is laid.
5. Drainage: Before drains are covered up (backfilled).
6. Completion: Within five days of finishing the work.

Tip: Always request a "Completion Certificate" at the end of the job. This is a vital legal document for the homeowner if they ever decide to sell the property.

5. Best Practices for Compliance

• Assign a "Notification Lead": Whether it's you or a site foreman, one person must be responsible for calling the inspector.
• Photo Evidence: While not a replacement for inspections, taking high-quality photos of covered work (like insulation or reinforcement) can help if an inspector cannot visit the site immediately.
• Early Engagement: Speak to your inspector during the quoting stage. They can often spot potential issues in your plan that might save you thousands in remedial work later.