How Much Does Building Control Cost

The cost of Building Control in the UK varies depending on the type, size and complexity of the building work involved. Whether you are building an extension, converting a loft or constructing a new dwelling, you are required by law to notify Building Control and pay a fee for their inspections and approvals. These fees cover the work of the Building Control body as they assess your plans, visit your site, and ensure your project complies with the Building Regulations.

What You’re Paying For

Building Control fees are not simply a charge for paperwork. They cover the assessment of your proposed work, several on-site inspections during construction, and the final sign-off with a completion certificate. Whether you use your local council’s Building Control team or a private Approved Inspector, the charges must reflect the level of work involved and are typically split into plan-checking and inspection elements.

Cost Through Local Authority Building Control

If you use your local authority, Building Control charges are usually set according to a published fee schedule. These charges are based on the type of work, floor area, number of dwellings or the estimated cost of the building works.

For example, submitting a Full Plans application for a single-storey extension to a domestic property may cost between £400 and £800 including VAT. A two-storey extension may cost between £700 and £1,200. These figures usually include both plan checking and site inspections. A Building Notice for minor work may cost slightly less, often in the region of £300 to £600, depending on complexity.

If you’re building a new house or multiple units, the fee will usually be higher, often upwards of £1,000 per dwelling depending on size. Complex commercial work may incur bespoke fees based on the value and complexity of the work.

Cost Through an Approved Inspector

Approved Inspectors are private companies or professionals registered to carry out Building Control services. Their fees are set independently, often on a case-by-case basis. Many offer competitive or fixed-price packages and may be willing to quote based on drawings, location and construction method.

In general, the cost of using an Approved Inspector is similar to using the local authority, with prices for a typical domestic extension ranging between £500 and £1,000 depending on the size and detail of the work. They may offer more flexible inspection scheduling, faster turnaround times and more personalised service, which appeals to many self-builders and small developers.

Are There Additional Costs?

In some cases, additional services or certificates may incur separate charges. For example, you may need to pay separately for a structural engineer’s report, thermal calculations, SAP assessments or acoustic tests depending on your project’s complexity and Building Regulations requirements.

If you miss an inspection or fail to notify Building Control at key stages, you may be charged for re-inspections. Also, if you change your plans significantly during the project, revised drawings may need to be submitted and reviewed again, which can lead to supplementary costs.

Do You Pay Upfront?

Local authorities typically ask for the full Building Control fee to be paid either when submitting the application or at the point of inspection. Approved Inspectors may require a deposit with staged payments depending on the inspection schedule. Always check the payment terms before work begins.

Examples in Practice

A homeowner in Sheffield added a rear kitchen extension with a floor area of 20 square metres. Their local council charged £650 including VAT for Building Control through a Full Plans application. This included plan assessment and five on-site inspections.

A developer in Birmingham constructed three new-build houses and used an Approved Inspector. The total Building Control fee was quoted at £3,600 plus VAT for all dwellings combined, based on complexity and location. This included site visits, reports and final certification.

Conclusion

The cost of Building Control in the UK typically ranges from £300 to over £1,000 depending on the size and nature of the building project. Local authorities and Approved Inspectors offer slightly different pricing structures, but the process and legal requirements are the same. Always request a fee quote early, clarify what is included and factor the cost into your overall budget. Building Control is not optional it is essential to ensuring your project is safe, compliant and legally certified.