Building Control Flashcards
What is the purpose of Building Control?
To ensure building work complies with the Building Regulations, safeguarding health, safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and environmental standards.
What do the Building Regulations cover?
Structural integrity
Fire safety
Ventilation and damp-proofing
Sound insulation
Energy efficiency
Accessibility
Sanitation, hot water safety, and drainage
Who can carry out Building Control?
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
Approved Inspectors (AIs) – private sector, regulated by CICAIR (being phased out in 2024 under BSR)
What are the two main routes for Building Control approval?
Full Plans Application
Building Notice Application (for smaller, domestic works)
What is a Full Plans application?
A detailed set of plans is submitted for prior approval.
Used for complex or commercial work
Provides formal confirmation of compliance
What is a Building Notice?
Used for simple domestic projects
No formal plan approval – relies on site inspections
Not suitable for commercial or complex works
What are the Building Control stages on site?
Commencement
Foundation excavation
Oversite
Drainage
Structural work
Insulation
Completion
What is a Completion Certificate?
Issued by the Building Control Body to confirm that, as far as can be reasonably determined, the works comply with Building Regulations.
What happens if works do not comply?
Contravention notice may be issued
Enforcement action within 12 months of completion
May require works to be removed or altered
What is the difference between Planning and Building Control?
Planning Permission = external appearance, use of land
Building Control = technical compliance with safety and performance standards
