Article: Building Control Arranging Inspections
Article Body
The Council's Building Control staff will make statutory and routine inspections during the construction stage of the building; to ensure compliance with the building regulations and other allied legislation and guidance.
There are up to nine mandatory inspections, however not all nine are relevant to some jobs. Please note that of ALL of the relevant stages of work applicable to the job must be provided, i.e:
- Commencement
- Excavation for foundations
- Foundations constructed e.g. concrete poured
- Damp proof course laid
- Oversite ready for concreting (with damp proof membrane laid if appropriate)
- Drains laid and visible for checking layout and consruction
- Drains backfilled and ready for testing for water tightness
- Occupation (normally only relevant when part of a building is finished e.g. a flat)
- Completion
It is common for more than one inspection to be carried out on one visit. Inspections 1 and 2 often coincide, as do 4 and 5 and 7 and 9.
As well as these mandatory inspections, further inspections may also be necessary, as some jobs will require specific inspections such as Fire Protection and the Reinforcement of Concrete Structures. In addition, a Building Surveyor may call unexpectedly at other times to check on the work as it progresses.
Inspections 2-6 will be carried out on the next working day after notice has been given.
In the majority of cases, we offer a same day site inspection service if we receive your telephone call before 9.30am. Inspections will normally be carried out between 9.30am - 5pm Most of our inspections can be arranged for either morning (10am - 1pm) or afternoon (2pm-4pm.). We are unable to arrange specific times.
Additionally, inspections can be tailored to meet the needs of the developer; this may prove more beneficial with large projects. Please contact one of our Senior Building Control Surveyors on (01226) 772678 for more details.
This service is only available to those carrying out building work subject to a valid Building Regulation application. There is a legal requirement for persons carrying out building work to notify the Council once they have reached various key stages. Building Control inspects building work in progress to continually check for compliance with the Regulations.
The approval or acceptance notice of your application (dependant upon the type of application made) will include a list of the statutory inspections. This identifies the minimum stages at which inspections will be required. Generally, this will be sent to the applicant on domestic works, and the agent (where applicable) on non-domestic works.
If works commence prior to the acceptance or approval notice being issued it is important that the person carrying out the works notifies Building Control on commencement of the works to discuss the inspections that will be required and arrange with the Building Control Officer to visit the works at the relevant stages.
Helplines
Telephone: (01226) 772678
24 hour answer phone: (01226) 772699
Fax: (01226) 772698
Email: buildingcontrol@barnsley.gov.uk
Advice, application forms and information leaflets are available at the Barnsley Connects Service Centre, which is located in The Civic, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL
Charges/Fees
The total cost of both the Full Plans and Building Notice options is the same. Smaller Full Plans applications require 100% of the fees to be paid at the deposit stage, however more often than not only 25% is required with the remaining 75% due after works have commenced to cover the cost of inspections..
For further advice please contact a Building Control Officer.
You can start work 24 hours after you deposit your application and fees. You must inform Building Control of your intention to commence.
An invoice will be sent to you following your first inspection, detailing how you are able to pay.
It is ultimately the person responsible for the works (usually the applicant) to ensure that the site inspections are being undertaken.
Remember that you will need a completion certificate. Therefore, if you are the applicant, by all means check that the inspections are being undertaken if your builder has told you that he will arrange them.
Legislation
Builders are required by law to notify when the stages of work are ready for inspection.
Websites
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are legal requirements aimed at achieving minimum standards of construction. The main purpose of the Regulations is to safeguard the health and safety of people in or about buildings. They are also concerned with energy efficiency and access and facilities for disabled people. Building Regulations apply to all types of buildings - domestic, commercial, assembly and institutional.
What types of work require Building Regulation approval?
The Building Regulations cover most types of building work. For example, new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, loft conversions, the installation or alteration of drainage or heating appliances, structural alterations, installation of new windows or doors, electrical installations, and changes of use all require the submission of a Building Regulation application. If in doubt contact Building Control Services.
How much do I have to pay?
Full details of the Building Regulations charges system and amounts payable for all types of work are available upon request and will be supplied with your application forms. If the work is for the access and facilities of a disabled person then it may qualify for exemption from the payment of charges. Further information on charges can be obtained by contacting Building Control Services. The authority is required by government to set building regulation charges to cover the cost of providing the service.