Your 11-point pre-start building checklist

Before you start work, taking a few moments to run through this list could make your build a lot easier, saving time, money and frustrating delays!

1. CIL: Once planning permission is granted you should have been sent a liability notice setting out any Community Infrastructure Levy and when it is due for payment. Before work starts you must submit a ‘Commencement Notice’ to the Planning Department if your project is liable for CIL. For self builds, have you completed your CIL exemption forms?
   
    
2. Planning Conditions: Find out if there are any Planning Conditions. Have they been cleared? Do any need to be cleared before commencement and are any your responsibility?  E.g. building sample panels, providing percolation tests, supplying manufacturers details for materials etc.
   
    
3. Decide who you are using for Building Control: Make sure you have made an application before work starts – it’s never too early to talk to your Local Authority Building Control team.
   
    
4. Party Wall Act awards: Is there an award in place? Are you aware of any special conditions? This can take a while to sort out and needs to be in place before you start work.
   
    
5. Have you got the right drawings?  Are the building regulations drawing and planning drawing the same? Check the dimensions especially boundary distances and heights. Have you got the latest revision?
   
    
6. Is it a Listed Building? Make sure Listed Building Consent has been granted before you start even if planning permission isn’t required – the person carrying out the work is the responsible person.
   
    
7. Do you need to submit a demolition notice to Building Control?
   
    
8. Have you notified HSE if your project will take more than 30 days?
   
    
9. Are there any special Planning lead Building Regulations issues?  E.g. Is it in a water scarcity area? If so you might need to use special fittings to reduce water usage to 105l per person per day – talk to Building Control.
   
    
10. Have special access conditions been applied? Is the dwelling designed to meet AD M41, 2 or 3? Ask Building Control if you aren't sure – there are big cost implications if you find out too late.
    
     
11. Have you arranged a warranty? You probably need one for a new dwelling. Have you had a quote from LABC Warranty? This is a very viable alternative warranty provider. Call 0800 0835221 or have a look at their website.
    
     

Do you know who to ring for your site visits?

Contact your LABC surveyor – you can find their contact details here. Or why not try our new free of charge LABC site inspection request app that offers you the option to conveniently contact your local authority building control team to request a site inspection. Now you can request site inspections through your mobile device while out on site! Available for Android and Apple users.

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Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the user’s professional judgement. It is the responsibility of the dutyholder or person carrying out the work to ensure compliance with relevant building regulations or applicable technical standards.