In this new blog, Premier Guarantee answer the questions they get asked most when it comes to building control.

What’s involved in building control?

Building control helps ensure that all building work carried out meets Building Regulations. These are the standards, supported by Approved Documents, set out to protect the health and safety of people within built environments.

Meeting these requirements is the responsibility of the persons undertaking the building work and the owner of the building. Subsequently all building work must be independently verified to certify all Building Regulations have been successfully met.

What does a building control inspector check on site?

Every project is different, but regardless of the level of complexity involved on any given site, the role of a building control inspector is to check that all aspects of construction comply with the regulations. They will inspect foundations, structural issues, damp-proofing, heating and ventilation, drainage and sanitation, accessibility, fire protection and more.

Building control teams consult with building owners, developers and designers on the design and specifications of buildings often before any construction work begins.

As building work progresses, inspections will be carried out at various stages in the development in order to check completed work.

Who can I use for my building control?

In England and Wales, you can use either a local authority or an approved inspector. Approved inspectors are private companies that are registered by the Construction Industry Council Approved Inspector Register (CICAIR) on behalf of the English and Welsh Governments to check building work complies with regulations. If you choose an approved inspector for your project, they must inform the local authority by submitting an initial notice.

Who can be an approved inspector?

All registered approved inspectors are assessed and verified by the Construction Industry Council Approved Inspectors Register (CICAIR), licenses are only given out by CICAIR. Approved inspectors registered with CICAIR are qualified to undertake building control work in accordance with Part II of the Building Act 1984.

Where can approved inspectors operate?

Approved inspectors can operate across England and Wales.

What is a building control certificate?

This type of certificate proves that the property has been inspected and building works comply with Building Regulations.

If you use a local authority for building control, you may receive a ‘completion certificate’, if you use an approved inspector, you’ll be provided with a ‘final certificate’.

The certificate is required by mortgage providers in order to allow the release of funds. Without a certificate you may not be able to sell the property.

What role does building control play in sustainability?

Building Regulations govern aspects of a building’s environmental performance. Recently the government proposed its Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard in order to meet its net zero carbon targets by 2050. The proposed changes involve Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations in both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

As a part of meeting Building Regulations, building control teams will be required to ensure that buildings conform to these standards both as they stand now and any future changes that come in.

Is Premier Guarantee able to carry out building control?

Yes. Since 2008 Premier Guarantee has been an approved inspector. The team provide a national service with local expertise and will always be on hand to provide their support and advice to help you meet Building Regulations.

In line with industry recommendations, Premier Guarantee will keep a ‘golden thread’ of information throughout the build, promoting true transparency and accountability. At each key stage and sign off, instant electronic reports and feedback are provided, recording an audit trail which will be given as proof on completion.

There are benefits to choosing Premier Guarantee for both your building control and structural warranty. Doing so will streamline the process to ensure consistency and minimise discrepancies during inspections. Plus, you’ll have one point of contact. However, Premier Guarantee offer flexibility. You can choose building control and structural warranty together as a package or separately as individual services.

Premier Guarantee approved inspectors work on a range of residential, mixed use and commercial developments. Find out more about the building control service on offer.