How Long Does Building Control Take

The time it takes to get Building Control approval in the UK depends on the route you choose, the scale of the project and the type of application. In most cases, you can begin work within a few days of applying, but the overall Building Control process continues throughout the construction period and ends with a final inspection and a completion certificate. Understanding the timescales at each stage helps you plan efficiently and avoid delays.

Initial Application Timescales

There are two main routes for Building Control applications: the Full Plans application and the Building Notice. A Full Plans application usually takes five to eight weeks for your local authority to check the drawings, request any amendments and issue a decision. This process is slower but offers greater clarity up front, especially for complex or structural work. You must wait for plan approval before starting construction unless the council agrees to allow work to proceed.

A Building Notice allows you to start work just 48 hours after the notice has been submitted to your local council. There is no plan-checking stage beforehand, so it is quicker for straightforward residential work, but it places more on-site responsibility on your builder and may require more inspections.

If you use a private Approved Inspector, they must submit an Initial Notice to the local authority at least five working days before work begins. They will then agree a schedule of inspections and monitor the work throughout.

Inspection Timescales During Construction

Once your application is live, Building Control officers or Approved Inspectors will visit the site at key stages. For a domestic extension, these inspections might include checking excavated foundations before pouring concrete, inspecting the damp-proof course installation, reviewing structural elements such as beams and floor joists, assessing insulation, inspecting drainage layout and carrying out the final inspection at completion.

Each inspection is arranged on request, often with just 24 to 48 hours’ notice. You or your builder must notify the Building Control team when you reach a stage that needs to be checked. Most councils aim to carry out inspections within one to two working days of being contacted.

The overall timescale for Building Control inspections will follow your construction schedule. A small extension might be inspected and signed off within eight to twelve weeks, while a full house build could take six to twelve months.

Getting the Completion Certificate

After the final inspection, your local authority or Approved Inspector will issue a completion certificate if everything is compliant. This is usually issued within five to ten working days of the last site visit, provided there are no unresolved issues. This document is important for future sales, remortgaging or property insurance.

Delays can happen if inspection records are incomplete, if further work is needed to meet Building Regulations or if the final inspection is not arranged. Always check that your builder has notified Building Control at each stage.

What Affects the Timeline

Several factors can affect how long Building Control takes. The type of application matters, as Full Plans takes longer up front while a Building Notice is quicker to start. Project complexity also plays a role, with larger or structural work requiring more detailed checks. Local authority workload can cause delays, especially during peak periods. Contractor reliability is important, since missed inspections can hold up progress. Inspector availability may also affect inspection scheduling during busy times of year.

Conclusion

Building Control approval can begin within days, but the full process continues throughout the construction period. A Full Plans application may take five to eight weeks to approve, while a Building Notice allows work to begin in 48 hours. Site inspections are usually carried out within one to two working days of request, and the final completion certificate is issued once everything is signed off. To keep things moving, always stay in contact with your Building Control officer and make sure all required inspections are arranged on time.