Skip to main content
 

User account menu

  • Login
 
Home
Menu

Main navigation

  • Homeowners
    • 5 steps to building regulations approval
    • Book a site inspection
    • Do I need a building regulations application (specific projects)...?
    • Getting started on your building project
    • How to get building control approval and book inspections
    • Homeowners FAQs
    • How to avoid cowboy builders (and how LABC can help)
    • Self build homes
    • Where can I get a copy of my building certificate?
    • Why use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?
  • Professionals
  • Members
  • About LABC
  • News & Blog
  • Awards
  • Training
Browse

Main navigation

  • Homeowners
  • Professionals
  • Members
  • About LABC
  • News & Blog
  • Awards
  • Training
  • 5 steps to building regulations approval
  • Book a site inspection
  • Do I need a building regulations application (specific projects)...?
  • Getting started on your building project
  • How to get building control approval and book inspections
  • Homeowners FAQs
  • How to avoid cowboy builders (and how LABC can help)
  • Self build homes
  • Where can I get a copy of my building certificate?
  • Why use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?
  • Building Bulletin email newsletter
  • Building regulations guidance & documents
  • LABC services
  • Registration schemes
  • Training
  • Commercial developers
  • Housing developers
  • Competencies
  • Cross Boundary Working
  • Governance
  • Partner Authority Scheme
  • Standards and practice
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Our sponsors
  • Meet the team
  • Charity of the year
  • Organisations we support
  • Reviews
  • Working with LABC
  • Speakers' bios
  • LABC Publishing
  • LABC Regions
  • Privacy policy
  • Board of Directors
  • What services do we offer on the website?
  • Why choose local council building control?
  • What are the Building Regulations?
  • Blog posts
  • Press releases
  • Research
  • Grenfell and Hackitt press releases, articles, resources
  • Awards FAQs
  • Awards region deadlines
  • Awards team contact details
  • Awards team contacts
  • Eligibility, categories & judging criteria
  • Grand Finals 2018
  • LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019 entry form
  • LABC Regional Building Excellence Awards
  • Start your LABC Awards 2018 nomination registration (Stage 1)
  • Loft conversion
  • Garage conversion
  • Extension
  • Conservatory
  • Electrical work
  • Internal alterations
  • Basement
  • Do I need a building regulations application (quick list)?
  • I don't have the right permission for building work - what do I do?
  • Do I need to tell my neighbours about my building work?
  • What are the building regulations? (Video)
  • How does the building control process work?
  • How much will building control approval cost?
  • How to apply for building regulations approval
  • How long does it take to process a building control application?
  • Can I appeal if my Full Plans application is rejected?
  • Are there any penalties for not complying with the building regulations?
  • Help - we didn't get permission for our building work! (Video)
  • Will my building project need Building Regulations approval?
  • Will my smaller home improvements need building regulations approval?
  • Where can a get a copy of the building regulations Approved Documents?
  • What's the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
  • I’m thinking of selling my home – will I need approval for building work carried out before I owned the house?
  • Do I need to make a Building Regulations application when installing a controlled fitting in an exempt building?
  • What should I do if work has gone wrong?
  • Approved Documents and technical guidance England
  • Approved Documents and technical guidance Wales
  • Archive
  • Spotlight
  • Statutory guidance
  • Access audits
  • Acoustic testing
  • Air pressure testing
  • Energy and sustainability
  • Fire engineering
  • Fire risk assessments
  • Get a quote
  • Structural warranties
  • LABC Registered Details
  • Partner Authority Scheme (PAS)
  • Registered Construction Details
  • Building control qualifications
  • Building control apprenticeships
  • CIOB Membership through LABC
  • Copyright and ownership of LABC intellectual property
  • In-house training
  • Our training team
  • Construction events
  • Training FAQS
  • What people are saying about our conferences and training....
  • Education projects
  • Fit-out projects
  • Healthcare
  • Hotel and leisure
  • Office developments
  • Retail
  • Sports stadiums and arenas
  • Masterminds of Construction: LABC (Video)
  • Conversions
  • New homes
  • Social housing
  • LABC and house builders
  • Projects and activitiies
  • Building control jobs
  • What is a building control surveyor and how do I get to be one?
  • Daniel Anon - Trainee of the Year 2017 (Videos)
  • In the spotlight: Building Control Manager Angela Edwards
  • Introducing LABC Trainee of the Year 2016: Jack Pritchard!
  • My building control story - Seb Jackson
  • We're hiring
  • Abbey Pynford
  • Actis
  • FMB
  • Home&Build
  • Jewson
  • Keylite
  • Keystone Group
  • LABC Acoustics
  • LABC Warranty
  • Planning Portal
  • Polypipe
  • LDSA (London District Surveyors' Association)
  • Can I edit my form after I've submitted it?
  • Can I enter my building project into as many Awards categories as I like?
  • How do I make a winning awards entry?
  • My question isn't answered on this page..?
  • Can I view the entry forms prior to entering online so I know what the questions are?
  • Do I have to pay to enter the awards?
  • Does the Awards entry form have to be completed by my local authority building control surveyor?
  • How do I know which local authority and LABC region my project is in?
  • How do I submit an awards entry?
  • I can’t find the Awards category I want to enter on the entry form?
  • I haven't received a link from Submittable?
  • I want other people to contribute to the entry form. How do I do this?
  • I want to access the entry form and return to it at a later date. Can I do this?
  • I want to enter one project into two categories - can I do this on the same form?
  • I've started an Awards entry but don't know how to get back into it!
  • I’m having difficulty uploading my photographs for my Awards entry. Why is this?
  • What are the entry requirements for the 2018 awards? 
  • What do the different statuses on Submittable mean?
  • What information will I need to hand when I submit my nomination? 
  • What's my deadline?
  • Shortlisted finalists
  1. Home
  2. Homeowners
  3. 5 steps to building regulations approval

5 steps to building regulations approval

Are you a self builder or planning on making improvements to a property? Follow these five steps to building regulations approval and getting that all important completion certificate.

Five steps to building control approval

1. Choose a building control surveyor

You can choose the building control provider that best fits your needs - most people use the not-for-profit service offered by their local council.

Known variously as building inspectors, district surveyors or building control surveyors, they are impartial building professionals with in-depth local knowledge of site conditions and issues and expertise in the building regulations, British and European standards and codes of practice that the new building must comply with.

All local authority building control teams in England and Wales work as part of the local authority building control (LABC) network.

Some operate as individual councils and some work in partnership with others. They all share the same ethos of impartiality, accountability and technical consistency.

Sometimes your builder might have a preference for a particular surveyor, but it’s your project so it pays to have a pre-application meeting with your local building control team so you can discuss the project and any particular design details which are out of the ordinary.

Contact your local team to find out what the likely charges will be. 

Then all you’ll need to do is agree a price based on the various stages which need to be inspected.

Find your local team here

2. Submit your building control application

You can apply to your local building control authority in one of two ways: 

a) Full Plans application: For the majority of these applications the building control team will check and ‘approve’ the plans before work starts. You’ll need to submit all drawings, specifications and, where necessary, calculations for structure, thermal, water consumption and so on. Submitting this type of application reduces the risk of contravening the regulations and helps avoid costly delays.

b) Building Notice: The application is ‘accepted’ when the building regulations have been met on site. However there is a risk with this option as no plans are required and work carried out may need altering or upgrading to meet requirements. 

So if you are unsure, the Full Plans route with an approved plan will give you the assurance that you won’t be taking a risk on site.

You then deposit your plans and calculations which are fully checked and approved prior to commencement so you have the confidence to obtain quotes, appoint contractors and order materials based on an agreed scheme with no nasty surprises.

Read more information on how and where to apply

3. Get to work

A key thing to remember is that compliance with the regulations, standards and other legislation is the responsibility of the owner of the property, so if you're a self builder, that's you!

Whichever type of application you submit, a building control surveyor will come out and inspect the work at various stages, giving advice and guidance to your builder and peace of mind for you.

The stages they'll need to see will usually be agreed in advance but they will be to ensure that minimum standards have been achieved.

It’s not uncommon for you to want to deviate from the approved plans and your surveyor will be happy to discuss these changes and any implications at a site meeting.

Contact your local building control team

4. The building control surveyor visit

The kind of the thing the building surveyor will look at include:

  • Foundations
  • Ground and floors
  • Damp proofing
  • Roof structure
  • Drainage
  • Structural beams and openings
  • Fire proofing
  • Thermal insulation

Request a site visit on your smartphone

5. The completion visit!

This is the key visit.

The main purpose of this stage is to make sure the house meets the various building regulations before it’s occupied and put into use.

Once the surveyor is happy with the work they’ll issue you with a completion certificate, free of charge. This is an important document used by solicitors/personal search agents when you come to sell the property and by mortgage lenders and property insurers.

Now all you need to do is step back and admire your new/improved home!

Further information

See our videos and advice on building regulations in relation to building extensions, garage conversions, conservatories and more...

 

Speak to your local building control team

Click and enter your postcode to contact your local council's building control team.
Contact your local team now

Related Content

Do I need a building regulations application?

Building Regulations applications are needed for most construction projects:

New buildings

  • All new buildings except agricultural buildings
  • Garages that are not fully detached and under 30 square...

Where can I get a copy of my building certificate?

Homeowners and agents often need to request copy certificates for proof that work has been carried out on homes or other buildings. This includes approvals, final inspection letters, completion...

Footer

  • Homeowners
    • Getting started
    • Homeowner FAQs
    • Where do I get a copy of my building certificate?
    • Do I need a building regs application?
  • Professionals
    • Consultancy services
    • Registration schemes
    • Building Regs documents
    • Commercial developments
    • Housing developments
  • About LABC
    • Building control jobs
    • Meet the team
    • Testimonials
    • Why choose LABC?
    • Our sponsors
    • Scotland
  • News & blog
    • Blog
    • News
    • Press releases
  • LABC Warranty
LABC logo © 2019 LABC Website by IE Digital

Contact

General - info@labc.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 8616 8120
LABC
92 Albert Embankment
London, SE1 7TY

Footer menu

  • Privacy policy
  • Contact details
  • Copyright notice
  • Admin login

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Linked In
  • Twitter
  • Homeowners
    • 5 steps to building regulations approval
    • Book a site inspection
    • Do I need a building regulations application (specific projects)...?
      • Loft conversion
      • Garage conversion
      • Extension
      • Conservatory
      • Electrical work
      • Internal alterations
      • Basement
    • Getting started on your building project
      • Do I need a building regulations application (quick list)?
    • How to get building control approval and book inspections
    • Homeowners FAQs
      • I don't have the right permission for building work - what do I do?
      • Do I need to tell my neighbours about my building work?
      • What are the building regulations? (Video)
      • How does the building control process work?
      • How much will building control approval cost?
      • How to apply for building regulations approval
      • How long does it take to process a building control application?
      • Can I appeal if my Full Plans application is rejected?
      • Are there any penalties for not complying with the building regulations?
      • Help - we didn't get permission for our building work! (Video)
      • Will my building project need Building Regulations approval?
      • Will my smaller home improvements need building regulations approval?
      • Where can a get a copy of the building regulations Approved Documents?
      • What's the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
      • I’m thinking of selling my home – will I need approval for building work carried out before I owned the house?
      • Do I need to make a Building Regulations application when installing a controlled fitting in an exempt building?
      • What should I do if work has gone wrong?
    • How to avoid cowboy builders (and how LABC can help)
    • Self build homes
    • Where can I get a copy of my building certificate?
    • Why use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?
  • Professionals
    • Building Bulletin email newsletter
    • Building regulations guidance & documents
      • Approved Documents and technical guidance England
        • Approved Document A: Structure
        • Approved Document B: Fire Safety
        • Approved Document C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
        • Building Regulations D: Toxic substances
        • Approved Document E: Resistance to the ​passage of sound
        • Approved Document F: Ventilation
        • Approved Document G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
        • Approved Document H: Drainage and waste disposal
        • Approved Document J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
        • Approved Document K: Protection from falling, collision and impact
        • Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings
        • Approved Document P: Electrical safety - Dwellings
        • Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings
        • Approved Document R: Physical Infrastructure for High Speed Electronic Communications Networks
        • Approved Documents L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B: Conservation of fuel and power
        • Building Regulations - Regulation 7: Materials and workmanship
      • Approved Documents and technical guidance Wales
        • Part K: Protection from falling, collision and impact
        • Wales Approved Document A: Structure
        • Wales Approved Document Part B: Fire Safety
        • Wales Approved Document Part C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
        • Wales Approved Document Part D: Toxic substances
        • Wales Approved Document Part E: Resistance to the passage of sound
        • Wales Approved Document F: Means of ventilation
        • Wales Part G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
        • Wales Approved Document H: Drainage and waste disposal
        • Wales Approved Document J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
        • Wales Approved Document L: Conservation of fuel and power
        • Wales Part M: Access to and use of buildings
        • Wales Approved Document N: Glazing
        • Wales Approved Document P: Electrical safety - Dwellings
        • Wales Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings
        • Wales Approved Document R: Physical Infrastructure for High Speed Electronic Communications Networks
        • Wales Approved Document to support regulation 7: Materials and workmanship
      • Archive
        • Archived Approved Documents
        • Archived Guidance
        • Archived statutory information
      • Spotlight
        • Circulars
        • Mandatory Fire Suppression for Wales - A Technical Guide
      • Statutory guidance
    • LABC services
      • Access audits
      • Acoustic testing
      • Air pressure testing
      • Energy and sustainability
      • Fire engineering
      • Fire risk assessments
        • What is a fire risk assessment?
      • Get a quote
      • Structural warranties
    • Registration schemes
      • LABC Registered Details
      • Partner Authority Scheme (PAS)
        • Partner Authority Scheme application form
      • Registered Construction Details
    • Training
      • Building control qualifications
      • Building control apprenticeships
        • Register your interest
      • CIOB Membership through LABC
      • Copyright and ownership of LABC intellectual property
      • In-house training
      • Our training team
      • Construction events
      • Training FAQS
        • How do I book a course?
        • What is CPD?
        • I'm not sure which training course is right for me
        • Will my course count towards my CPD?
        • What do I do if I want to attend a course but there are none in my region?
        • Will I receive confirmation of my booking?
        • How do I pay for an LABC training course?
        • What are LABC's booking terms and conditions?
        • What is LABC Pre-Pay?
        • What is a purchase order number?
        • Where do I send my purchase order number?
        • Will my invoice need to be paid before I attend a course?
        • Who do I contact if I have invoicing queries?
        • What if I haven't received the joining instructions?
        • What do I need to bring with me to the course?
        • What's the dress code?
        • Who'll be running the course?
        • Will lunch be provided?
        • Can I transfer my place to someone else?
        • I can't find the answer to my question!
      • What people are saying about our conferences and training....
    • Commercial developers
      • Education projects
      • Fit-out projects
      • Healthcare
      • Hotel and leisure
      • Office developments
      • Retail
      • Sports stadiums and arenas
      • Masterminds of Construction: LABC (Video)
    • Housing developers
      • Conversions
      • New homes
      • Social housing
      • LABC and house builders
  • Members
    • Competencies
    • Cross Boundary Working
    • Governance
    • Partner Authority Scheme
    • Standards and practice
      • Projects and activitiies
  • About LABC
    • Contact
    • Careers
      • Building control jobs
        • Calderdale – Senior Building Control Surveyor
        • Camden – Building Control Officer
        • Cheshire East Council - Building Control Professionals
        • City of York - Building Control and Property Information Manager
        • East Hampshire – Assistant Building Control Surveyor
        • East Northamptonshire – Building Control Technician
        • Folkestone & Hythe - Assistant Building Control Officer
        • Hammersmith and Fulham – Head of Building Control
        • Herefordshire – Building Control Manager
        • Lambeth - Principal Area Surveyor
        • London – LABC Awards, Events & Marketing Coordinator
        • North Yorkshire – Building Surveyors
        • Plymouth – Building Control Officer
        • Reading – Assistant Building Control Surveyor
        • Reading – Building Control Surveyor
        • Torbay – Building Control Officer
        • Uttlesford – Building Control Surveyor / Senior Building Control Surveyor
      • What is a building control surveyor and how do I get to be one?
      • Daniel Anon - Trainee of the Year 2017 (Videos)
      • In the spotlight: Building Control Manager Angela Edwards
      • Introducing LABC Trainee of the Year 2016: Jack Pritchard!
      • My building control story - Seb Jackson
      • We're hiring
    • Our sponsors
      • Abbey Pynford
      • Actis
      • FMB
      • Home&Build
      • Jewson
      • Keylite
      • Keystone Group
      • LABC Acoustics
      • LABC Warranty
      • Planning Portal
      • Polypipe
    • Meet the team
    • Charity of the year
    • Organisations we support
    • Reviews
    • Working with LABC
    • Speakers' bios
    • LABC Publishing
    • LABC Regions
      • LDSA (London District Surveyors' Association)
        • LDSA region contact details
        • Piling guide
    • Privacy policy
    • Board of Directors
    • What services do we offer on the website?
    • Why choose local council building control?
    • What are the Building Regulations?
  • News & Blog
    • Blog posts
    • Press releases
    • Research
    • Grenfell and Hackitt press releases, articles, resources
  • Awards
    • Awards FAQs
      • Can I edit my form after I've submitted it?
      • Can I enter my building project into as many Awards categories as I like?
      • How do I make a winning awards entry?
      • My question isn't answered on this page..?
      • Can I view the entry forms prior to entering online so I know what the questions are?
      • Do I have to pay to enter the awards?
      • Does the Awards entry form have to be completed by my local authority building control surveyor?
      • How do I know which local authority and LABC region my project is in?
      • How do I submit an awards entry?
      • I can’t find the Awards category I want to enter on the entry form?
      • I haven't received a link from Submittable?
      • I want other people to contribute to the entry form. How do I do this?
      • I want to access the entry form and return to it at a later date. Can I do this?
      • I want to enter one project into two categories - can I do this on the same form?
      • I've started an Awards entry but don't know how to get back into it!
      • I’m having difficulty uploading my photographs for my Awards entry. Why is this?
      • What are the entry requirements for the 2018 awards? 
      • What do the different statuses on Submittable mean?
      • What information will I need to hand when I submit my nomination? 
      • What's my deadline?
    • Awards region deadlines
    • Awards team contact details
    • Awards team contacts
    • Eligibility, categories & judging criteria
    • Grand Finals 2018
      • Shortlisted finalists
    • LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019 entry form
    • LABC Regional Building Excellence Awards
    • Start your LABC Awards 2018 nomination registration (Stage 1)
  • Training