Building Control Inspections

• When do Building Control need to inspect?
• How do I book an inspection?
• What aspects of the work will be inspected?
• Contact us

Building Control Officers will make statutory and routine inspections during the construction stage of the building; to ensure compliance with the building regulations and other allied legislation and guidance.

What stages of the building works do Building Control need to inspect?

There are up to nine mandatory inspections, however not all nine are relevant to some jobs. Please note that all of the relevant stages of work applicable to the job must be provided, ie:

• Commencement - This is the first statutory notification. We normally visit when the work starts. However, in certain circumstances we may agree not to inspect the site until a further notice is received.
• Excavation for foundations:
  • For conventional foundations the foundation trench should be dug, levelled and cleaned to remove ground water before asking for an inspection.
  • For special foundations, such as a raft foundation or piled foundations, contact us to agree an inspection programme.
• Foundations constructed e.g. concrete poured - Notice must be given when the concrete has been placed. It is advisable to have the corners of the building marked out to show the position of the walls on the foundations. Our Building Control Surveyor will be looking to see that the walls will be positioned correctly on the concrete. Sometimes it is possible to start building the walls before this inspection, but you should discuss this with your Building Control Surveyor.
• Damp proof course laid - You must notify us before any damp proof course is covered up.
• Oversite ready for concreting (with damp proof membrane laid if appropriate):
  • For solid ground bearing floor slabs it is the hardcore, insulation and damp proof membrane that we will inspect before concrete.
  • In the case of suspended timber floors it is the ground below the oversite concrete that we need to inspect before it is covered by the floor.
• Structural members - We must inspect before you cover any structural members, for example floor joists, roof timbers or steel beams etc.
• Drains laid and visible for checking layout and construction:
  • The drains must be inspected before they are covered up so we can check the layout and construction. All drainage work should be inspected. This includes foul drainage and surface/rainwater drainage to the building.
  • We also advise you to test the drains are watertight before you cover them up.
• Drains testing - When the building is complete we will usually ask you to test the drains while we watch to check that they are watertight.
• Completion:
  • You should request an inspection when the building work is fully complete (or for new buildings, before occupation).
  • Provided we have seen all the relevant stages of work, and they comply with the Building Regulations, the relevant certificates have been provided and the relevant fees paid, a Completion Certificate will be issued.

It is common for more than one inspection to be carried out on one visit. Inspections 1 and 2 often coincide, as do 4 and 5 and 7 and 9.

As well as these mandatory inspections, further inspections may also be necessary, as some jobs will require specific inspections such as Fire Protection and the Reinforcement of Concrete Structures. In addition, a Building Surveyor may call unexpectedly at other times to check on the work as it progresses.

Inspections 2-6 will be carried out on the next working day after notice has been given.

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How do I book an inspection?

In the majority of cases, we offer a same day site inspection service if we receive your telephone call before 9.30am. Inspections will normally be carried out between 10.30am - 3pm. Most of our inspections can be arranged for either morning (10.30am - 1pm) or afternoon (1pm - 3pm). We are unable to arrange specific times.

Please contact us for more information or to arrange and inspection.

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What aspects of the work will be inspected?

The following aspects of building work may be examined:

• foundation excavations
• completed foundations
• fire protection
• drainage systems
• damp proof courses and membrane
• brickwork and blockwork for walls
• thermal insulation to walls floors and roofs
• structural elements
• weather proofing
• flues and vents to appliances
• ventilation
• staircases, landings and galleries
• safety glazing
• facilities for disabled people
• sound proofing

Inspections will also be used to check:

• suitable materials are used
• work covered by the Building Regulations is carried out to a reasonable standard

If necessary use of other professional expertise and testing procedures may be required.

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Contact us

If you would like to request a site inspection, or would like further information about inspections please contact us:

Address
Building Control
Planning, Regeneration & Economy
Level 6, River Park House
225 High Road
Wood Green
London
N22 8HQ

Tel 020 8489 1000
Fax 020 8489 5229
Email building.control@haringey.gov.uk

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