· What are Building Regulations ?

Building Regulations are rules designed to ensure health, safety, accessibility and energy conservation in and about buildings.

· When is Building Control required?

Some building projects are exempt from regulations, however generally if you are planning to carry out building work as defined in regulation 3 of the Building Regulations, then building control will be required. Regulations will usually apply if you are:

Constructing a new building

Extending or altering an existing building

Provide services and/or fittings in a building such as washing and sanitary facilities, hot water cylinders, foul water and rainwater drainage, replacement windows, and fuel burning appliances of any type.

We are a licensed RBA able to carry out a wide range of projects – from simple domestic projects, new dwellings, apartments, offices and retail projects to complex hospitals.

· When can I start on site ?

When you instruct MIDLANDS BUILDING CONTROL CONSULTANCY LTD you are appointing us to act on your behalf. As part of the Building Regulations process MBC will notify your local authority of your intended building work and you may start work just as soon as this Initial Notice has been accepted. Deemed accepted after 5 working days after the initial notice has been submitted to the local authority.

· What is the process ?

After submitting the initial notice to the local authority MBC takes on the responsibility for plan checking and site inspections. Also, a Fire and a Sewer consultation will be undertaken if the job requires it. If your job is satisfactorily completed, we will issue a Final Certificate. A copy will also be issued to the Local Authority. When you come to sell your property a solicitor or estate agent enquiry will reveal the works were regulated and satisfactorily completed.

· How long will the initial notice remain valid once registered with the local authority ?

Like the planning permission, the Initial Notice will stay active for 3 years once registered however only if works have not started. If the works have started there is no time limit for the works to then be completed. We can issue you a commencement inspection report, as evidence of a start of works within the expiration date of your planning permission.

· When do I make a payment ?

Fees under £495+VAT are invoiced on registration of the project. Fees over £495+VAT are invoiced after the first site visit and payable within 28 days on the date of the invoice.

· What is the difference between Planning permission and Building Regulations ?

Planning Permission rules determine whether you can go ahead with a building project essentially based on Appearance and Use whereas the Building Regulations set technical standards for the design and construction of buildings.

What is a Building Control Officer/Inspector?

This person will undertake your building control inspections. Their role will also include checking your design for compliance with National Building Regulations during the design stage.

As well as support during your inspections, we will provide pre- application design consultation, giving you advice on your designs from foundation design to fire safety.

· At what stages do Building Control inspect?

You will need to give notice to your Building Inspector when your work reaches certain stages so they can inspect it to make sure you have complied with Building Regulations. These stages usually include:

· Foundation excavation

· Foundation concrete

· Drainage

· Oversite concrete

· DPC

· First fix/ roof structure

· Cladding and fire stopping Completion.

· Loft conversion – floor joists/trimmers, insulation, final inspection

· Garage conversion – floor/wall insulation , final inspection

· Please refer to our site inspection matrix in downloads

· Can neighbors object to my Building Regulation application ?

No. But whilst there is no requirement in the building regulations to consult neighbors, it would be prudent to do so. In any event, you should be careful that the work does not encroach on their property since this could lead to bad feeling and possibly an action for an injunction for the removal of the work. If your proposal is subject to approval under the Town and Country Planning legislation objections may be raised. Your attention is also drawn to the Party Wall Act 1996 an explanatory booklet is available on the Gov.Uk website.

· What is a Building Notice style application ?

A Building Notice is generally suitable for small alterations and projects - for example an additional window or removing an internal wall. It’s a faster process meaning you can start 48 hours after deposit (or earlier) it can’t be used if you are going to be building over or close to a public sewer or altering a commercial building. N.B. you need to be aware that a Building Notice puts more responsibility for knowing and complying with the building regulations on the person carrying out the work and the property owner.

· What is a full plans application ?

It comprises drawings, design details, specifications and calculations and it is usually submitted by the architect or plan drawing agent who is designing your project. Once received, the council will assess your application and consult with the water and fire services if necessary. Once any queries are resolved, the building control team will issue a Decision Notice within five weeks from the date of deposit (or longer if you’ve agreed to an extension). An Approval subject to requirements may be issued which allows you to provide further information once it's available.

· What are compliance declarations ?

Under the revised Building Regulations, a compliance declaration will be required by the client and principal contractor that to the best of their knowledge the project complies with the Building Regulations. If an architect has been employed a compliance statement will be required that the plans to the best of their knowledge complies with the Building Regulations. If there is no architect, the principal contractor will take on the principal designers responsibility . This is a legal requirement.

· My project is now complete, what do I need to do ?

Contact your building surveyor or the office and inform us that your project has been completed. Before we can carry out a final inspection we will require.

· All compliance statements from the client, principal designer, principal contractor

· Any outstanding photos or information

· Electrical and gas safety certificates if required, commissioning certificates, etc.

· Once all relevant documentation has been received and a satisfactory final inspection has been carried out a final certificate will be issued asap. Normally within 3 working days.

Frequently Asked Questions