What stages of the building works must Building Control inspect?

A common question that we get asked is what stages do you need to have the inspector out. In truth this will depend on the type of work being carried out and we will give you a bespoke inspection plan for each project. But to help plan in advance here are the inspection stages for some typical projects. Don’t forget that you will also need to supply some paperwork as well before we can issue a Final Certificate even if the work has been completed on site. We will post a future blog on the certificates you are likely to need.

Notifications for Extensions

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspection of new excavation for foundations
Stage 3 – Inspection of  damp proof course / membrane and below ground drain pipes prior to covering
Stage 4 – Inspection of wall / roof Insulation and roof and any structure/steel beams
Stage 5 – Drain tests of new drains – witnesses of drain tests after backfill – can be combined with stage 6
Stage 6 – Completion of work typically including fire boarding. fire doors, smoke detectors, stairs, handrails/guarding, ventilation, and receipt of installer certificates

Notifications for Loft conversions

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspection of steel beams in loft area.
Stage 3 – Inspection of floor, wall and roof timbers and insulation – can be combined with stage 2
Stage 4 – Inspection of Drainage connections (if any) – can be combined with stage 5
Stage 5 – Completion of work typically including fire boarding. fire doors, smoke detectors, stairs, handrails, ventilation, and receipt of installer certificates

Notifications for Flat conversions

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspection of any new walls or floors and any structure/steel beams
Stage 3 – Inspection of drainage and ventilation to bathrooms and kitchens- may be combined with stage 2 2
Stage 4 – Inspection of insulation – may be combined with stage 2/3
Stage 5 – Completion of work typically including fire boarding. fire doors, fire alarm and emergency lighting, stairs, handrails, ventilation, and receipt of installer certificates/Sound Test/SAP/EPC etc

Notifications for Garage Conversion to habitable room

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspect excavation for infill wall / window to replace garage door
Stage 3 – Check DPC in Wall and DPM to Floor
Stage 4 – Check new floor and wall construction including Insulation and new drains (if needed) – may be combined with stage 3
Stage 5 – Completion of work typically including fire boarding. fire doors, smoke detectors, ventilation, and receipt of installer certificates

Notifications for Erection of New House or Flats

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspection of new foundations and any drain pipes prior to covering
Stage 3 – Inspection of damp-proof course and oversite membrane and any tanking where needed
Stage 4 – Inspection of walls, insulation, steels and first floor timber joists including cavity barriers prior to covering
Stage 5 – Inspection of roof timbers, insulation and roof void ventilation
Stage 6 – Inspection of services including above ground including witness of drain tests and fire stopping
Stage 7 – Completion of work typically including fire boarding. fire doors, fire alarm and emergency lighting, stairs, handrails, ventilation, and receipt of installer certificates/Sound Test/SAP/EPC etc

Notifications for Load bearing wall/ chimney Removal

Stage 1 – Commencement – may be combined with stage 2
Stage 2 – Inspection of structural works
Stage 3 – Fire Proofing
Stage 4 – Completion – may be combined with stage 3