Building Control approval is the formal confirmation that building work complies with Building Regulations. Understanding the available routes to approval and the steps involved helps homeowners and builders plan projects efficiently and obtain the required certification without unnecessary delays.

The Three Main Routes

Full plans application to the local authority

Submit detailed drawings and a specification to your local authority Building Control service before work begins. The Building Control officer checks the plans and either approves them, requests amendments, or rejects them. Once plans are approved, you can start work and the inspector carries out stage inspections during construction. This route provides the most certainty upfront and is recommended for complex projects, new builds, and any project where having approved drawings avoids disputes during construction.

Building notice to the local authority

Submit a basic notice with limited documentation and start work within two days. No drawings are pre-approved; the inspector checks compliance by carrying out stage inspections during construction. This route is faster to start and suits straightforward projects where the construction is well-understood. If compliance issues arise during construction, you may need to alter completed work, which is more disruptive than resolving issues at the design stage.

Approved Inspector

Appoint a private Building Control body (Approved Inspector) instead of the local authority. The Approved Inspector carries out the same statutory function but operates commercially. An initial notice is submitted jointly to the local authority to discharge the local authority's involvement. This route may offer faster plan checking and more responsive inspection scheduling for some project types.

Competent Persons Schemes

For specific types of work, contractors registered with Competent Persons Schemes can self-certify their work without a separate Building Control application. Registered contractors notify the local authority directly and issue their own compliance certificate. This covers electrical work (NICEIC, NAPIT), gas work (Gas Safe), solid fuel appliances (HETAS), window replacement (FENSA), and several other work types. Using a scheme-registered contractor is the simplest route for eligible work.

Getting the Completion Certificate

Regardless of the approval route, a completion certificate is issued after a satisfactory final inspection. Request the final inspection when all work is complete. The completion certificate is the document needed when selling the property and should be retained permanently. If the certificate cannot be found later, regularisation or indemnity insurance are the alternatives.

Summary

Building Control approval is obtained through a full plans application, a building notice, or an Approved Inspector, depending on the project type and programme requirements. Competent persons scheme contractors self-certify eligible work. A completion certificate is issued after a satisfactory final inspection and must be retained with property documents. The full plans route offers the most certainty; a building notice allows faster start; Approved Inspectors provide a commercial alternative to local authority Building Control.