Building Control is the process by which local authorities and approved inspectors verify that building work complies with Building Regulations. How long the process takes depends on the type of approval route chosen, the complexity of the project, and the current workload of the Building Control body.

Full Plans Applications

A full plans application involves submitting detailed drawings and specifications to Building Control for approval before work begins. The Building Control body has a statutory five-week period within which to issue a decision on a full plans application, though this can be extended to two months by mutual agreement with the applicant. In practice, most local authority Building Control bodies aim to respond within this period, though complex applications or busy periods can cause delays.

Once full plans approval is granted, it remains valid indefinitely provided work starts within three years and the approved plans are followed. The approval covers the design stage; inspections during construction confirm that the work matches the approved plans.

Building Notices

A building notice does not require pre-approval of drawings. The applicant submits a building notice, pays the fee, and can start work two days later in most cases. There is no approval decision to wait for; instead Building Control inspects at various stages during construction. This route is faster to start but provides less certainty because there are no approved plans to refer to if questions arise during construction.

Stage Inspections During Construction

Regardless of the approval route, Building Control inspects the work at specified stages. The applicant or contractor must notify Building Control before covering up each inspected stage. The inspector visits within a reasonable period of notification, typically within two to five working days in most areas, though this varies with local workload. After each inspection, the inspector records whether the work is satisfactory or whether corrections are needed.

Completion Certificates

The completion certificate is issued after a satisfactory final inspection, which is requested when all work is complete. The time between requesting a final inspection and receiving the completion certificate varies; some authorities issue the certificate after the inspection if satisfied, while others issue it within a few days or weeks. In straightforward cases the certificate can be expected within two to four weeks of the final inspection.

Summary

Full plans applications are decided within five weeks, or two months by agreement. Building notices allow work to start within two days with no pre-approval required. Stage inspections during construction are typically carried out within two to five working days of notification. Completion certificates follow a satisfactory final inspection, typically within two to four weeks. Approved inspectors are an alternative to local authority Building Control with potentially faster turnaround for larger projects.