When Do I Need Building Control Approval?

Are you planning on starting a building project and wondering if you need building control approval? Look no further! Building projects are exciting, but they can also be complex. It’s essential to understand the importance of complying with local regulations, ensuring that your structure is safe and adheres to all necessary standards. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about building control approval – from when it’s required to who is responsible for obtaining it. So, let’s get started!

What is Building Control?

Building control is the process of ensuring that buildings are constructed and maintained in a safe and healthy manner. It includes ensuring that the structure is properly built, inspected, maintained, and operated. Building control includes monitoring the construction process to ensure adherence to safety codes, checking for proper installation of fixtures and materials, and investigating any complaints or concerns about building conditions.

Building control inspections can be required for a variety of reasons, including:
-To ensure compliance with local, state, or national building codes
-To identify potential hazards during construction
-To investigate reports of faulty or unsafe construction
-To investigate complaints about building conditions

When Do You Need Building Control Approval?

Building control approval is required for any structure greater than 3 meters high, and for any alteration to or addition to a building that affects the structural stability of the building. Additionally, building control approval may be required for certain types of construction, such as:
-Structures over 3 meters high
-Alterations or additions that affect the structural stability of the building
-Construction involving explosives

What to Expect When you Request Building Control Approval

Building control approval is required for any construction or alteration that affects the structural integrity of a building. Depending on the type of work being done, you may need different types of approvals. Below are some common approvals you may need:

• Building consent – This is the most common type of approval and is required for any work that affects the external appearance, function or structural integrity of a building. You will need to obtain this from your local council.

• Fire safety – You will need to get fire safety approval if the work involves changes to the layout or structure of the building that could increase the risk of a fire. For example, adding an extra storey to a building can change its overall fire safety rating.

• Structural – You will need to get structural approval if the work involves alterations to, or additions to, the structure of a building. This includes anything from changing door frames to renovating an entire façade.

• Electrical – You will need electrical approval if there are any changes made to the wiring in a building, including adding new circuits or altering existing ones. This includes anything from changing light fixtures to installing new HVAC systems.

How to Apply for Building Control Approval

When you are planning to build a new structure or make any alterations to an existing one, you will need to obtain building control approval. This is a mandatory requirement in most parts of the UK and requires notification and approval from a building control officer.

The process of applying for building control approval can vary depending on the location, but generally speaking, you will need to provide detailed plans, information about the structure itself, and evidence that all necessary permits have been obtained. Additionally, your construction team will likely need certification from a professional safety consultant.

Once all of the application requirements have been met, your building control officer will review your plans and issue a certificate of compliance or disapproval. If everything is approved, you can commence construction as planned; if not, further modifications may be required before construction can begin.

What to do if you Receive a Not Acceptable Response from the Authority

If you receive a not acceptable response from the authority, your next steps depend on the particular situation. If you are simply seeking clarification or additional information, you may contact them again and provide the information that was requested but not received. You may also reach out to other authorities that may be more comfortable working with you or have more resources available to them. If you believe that there has been an error made in processing your request, you should reach out to the authority again and explain your situation. In some cases, it may be necessary to take additional action in order to get your request processed correctly.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article on when you need building control approval. In short, if you are proposing any changes to the exterior of your home that would impact its classification as a Category 1 or 2 building, you will need to get building control approval from your local municipality. There are a few exceptions to this rule – such as repairing or replacing window frames, roofing materials and siding – but for the most part, all major alterations require municipal approval. If you are not sure whether or not your proposed alteration requires building control approval, please contact your local municipality for more information. Thank you again for taking the time to read our article and we hope it was helpful.