10. Work progresses
What we will do
We intend to inspect building works at key stages for the purposes of identifying contraventions or potential contraventions to the building regulations.
Where you have provided us with an email address, we will send you an inspection report following each inspection detailing what was seen on site and any issues that were raised to enable corrective work to be carried out and arrange for it to be re-inspected.
We ensure that all staff have Health and Safety training and are focused on construction site safety. Our officers will also comply with your (and the builders) reasonable instructions in relation to their health and safety procedures when visiting the site.
What we will not do
We cannot design building works or instruct how to make works compliant as the responsibility for compliant design remains with you.
Building Control reserves the right to refuse to carry out a site inspection where this would put the health and safety of the officer at risk. Any instances of this nature will be communicated with you so that you have an opportunity to take corrective action, to enable the inspection to be carried out.
What you will need to do
You will need to notify us when each relevant stage of work is complete and ready for inspection. At least one working day notice should be given to us to ensure that there is a reasonable opportunity to inspect the relevant competed stage of work. Whilst we try to inspect to suit your timescales and program of works, you may need to pause the work for short periods of time to allow us sufficient time to view the relevant stage.
You need to ensure that our officers have access to the building work at all reasonable times, as is necessary to inspect the work. Where the access is restricted or withheld, the council may apply to the Court for a warrant to gain access in order to carry out its duties.
Where a stage of work has been covered up prior to inspection, we may require the work to be opened up to verify compliance.
Unless advised otherwise by your Building Control Surveyor beforehand, photographs will not be an acceptable alternative to a site inspection.
Where a surveyor advises you that work is not compliant, you will need to take measures to correct the non-compliance and arrange an opportunity for us to re-inspect. If a surveyor requests additional information to justify work that has taken place on site, you will need to provide this information in a timely manner to avoid formal enforcement action.
Timescale
As work progresses through the inspection stages.
At least one working day notice should be given for inspection requests.
Fees
Extra charges may be incurred where there are incomplete or defective works requiring a further inspection.
Any additional charges will be applied towards the end of the project after the full costs are known.