How Do I Get a Building Control Completion Certificate

A Building Control Completion Certificate is an official document issued by your local authority or Approved Inspector once construction or alteration work has been inspected and confirmed to comply with UK Building Regulations. It acts as proof that your project was carried out safely, legally and to the correct technical standards. Without it, you may face issues selling your home, securing insurance, or meeting mortgage conditions. Whether you're building an extension, converting a loft or installing structural changes, getting this certificate should be a key part of your project plan.

What Is a Completion Certificate?

The completion certificate confirms that all work carried out under a Building Regulations application has been completed in accordance with the rules. It means the building work has passed final inspection and meets current requirements for structure, fire safety, drainage, energy efficiency and more. It is a critical legal document and forms part of your property records.

When Is It Required?

You will need a completion certificate for most projects that require Building Control, including extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, structural changes, new bathrooms, re-roofing, or the installation of new heating or electrical systems. If you’re selling your home, solicitors will almost always ask for completion documentation for any work completed under Building Regulations.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Completion Certificate

The process begins when you submit a Building Regulations application. This can be done in one of two ways: by submitting a Full Plans application or a Building Notice. Once the application is accepted, inspections are carried out by your local Building Control team or an Approved Inspector at key stages of the project.

You must notify Building Control when you reach stages such as laying foundations, building walls, installing insulation, fitting drainage, or completing roofing. They will inspect the work as it progresses to ensure compliance with regulations.

When all building work is finished, you need to request a final inspection. The Building Control officer or inspector will visit the site to review everything and ensure it meets the approved plans and regulatory standards. If they are satisfied, they will issue a completion certificate, usually within a few days.

What You Need to Provide

To obtain the certificate, you should ensure that all required inspections have been carried out and that any supporting documentation has been submitted. This might include energy performance certificates, structural engineer calculations, electrical and gas safety certificates, and any specialist installer certifications.

If you used a Competent Person Scheme (for example, for electrical or heating work), the installer should have notified the relevant body, and you should receive certificates from them separately. These will also support your completion certificate application.

Who Issues the Certificate?

If you applied through your local authority, the council’s Building Control team will issue the certificate. If you used an Approved Inspector, they will issue it once they are satisfied that all work complies with the regulations and all inspections are complete.

Be aware that you cannot receive a completion certificate if you do not request or allow the final inspection. Some people mistakenly believe that approval is automatic, but you must actively ask for the final sign-off.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

If you completed work without getting a completion certificate, you may run into problems when selling or refinancing your property. Buyers’ solicitors will usually raise this during legal checks. In some cases, you may be asked to apply for retrospective approval or obtain an indemnity insurance policy, but this is not ideal.

Failure to obtain a certificate may also void home insurance if problems later arise, especially if fire safety or structural issues are involved. You may also face enforcement action if the council deems the work unsafe or illegal.

Examples in Practice

A homeowner in Southampton completed a two-storey extension using a Full Plans application through their local council. Inspections were carried out at foundation, insulation and roofing stages. On completion, the builder contacted Building Control, who carried out the final inspection and issued the certificate within one week. The homeowner later used the document when applying for a remortgage and had no issues.

Another property owner in Nottingham installed a wood-burning stove and failed to have it inspected. When selling the property, they were asked for the completion certificate and had to apply for retrospective approval. This delayed the sale by several weeks and incurred extra inspection and administration fees.

Conclusion

To get a Building Control Completion Certificate, you must notify your local authority or Approved Inspector throughout your project, arrange for inspections, and ensure the work complies with the Building Regulations. Always request a final inspection once work is complete, and submit any additional documentation required. This certificate is more than just paperwork it is essential for future property sales, insurance and peace of mind that your home has been safely and legally built or modified.