Building Control

The local authority department (or approved private inspector) responsible for checking that renovation and building work complies with building regulations — the safety and quality standards required by law.

Building control is the team — either within your local council or an approved private inspector — responsible for ensuring your renovation work meets building regulations. They review plans, visit the site during construction, and issue a completion certificate when the work is finished and compliant.

What building control does

  • Reviews your building regulations application — checking that your plans meet the required standards for structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, and accessibility
  • Carries out site inspections at key stages during construction
  • Identifies non-compliant work and requires corrections before the project continues
  • Issues a completion certificate when all work is satisfactory — this is an important legal document

When you need building control

You need building control sign-off for most renovation work that affects the structure, safety, or energy performance of your home, including:

  • Structural alterations (removing walls, installing RSJs)
  • Extensions and loft conversions
  • Electrical work (new circuits, consumer unit changes)
  • Plumbing and heating changes
  • Window and door replacements (unless installed by a FENSA-registered company)
  • Underpinning or foundation work

You do not usually need building control for purely cosmetic work like painting, tiling, or replacing a kitchen (unless it involves structural, gas, or electrical changes).

Local authority vs. approved inspectors

You can choose between:

  • Local authority building control (LABC) — your council’s in-house team
  • Approved inspectors — private companies authorised to carry out the same function

Both have the same legal authority. Private inspectors may offer faster turnaround, while local authority inspectors have deep knowledge of local building stock.

Key inspections during a renovation

Typical inspection stages include:

  1. Foundations — before they’re covered with concrete
  2. Damp-proof course — before it’s concealed
  3. Structural steelwork — before it’s covered by plaster
  4. Drains — before they’re backfilled
  5. Final inspection — when all work is complete

Your contractor should know when to book these inspections. Covering up work before it’s been inspected may mean having to expose it again — at your cost.

Tips for homeowners

  • Apply for building regulations approval early — it can take several weeks
  • Keep your building control officer informed — good communication prevents problems
  • Never skip inspections — uncertified work causes issues when selling your property
  • Ask for the completion certificate — your general contractor should ensure this is obtained before final payment