Building Control Submission and retrospective approval

In most situations, building work will require a Building Control Submission to the local authority.  The Building Control department is in place to ensure that the Building Act 1984 is adhered to all on all properties.  This includes most aspects of building, including structure, thermal efficiency, fire, electrics, drainage, etc.

There is guidance to assist for Building Control called the Approved Documents.  These provide options over how to meet the requirements.

There are generally two options for submitting a Building Control application, which are:

Building Notice –

Generally used for simple projects such as removal of an internal wall or removing a chimney breast. 

  Full Plans Submission –

This is used for most projects, including conversions, extensions and loft conversions. 

We can advise over what route is best to follow and provide the relevant documentation for the submission to the local authority.  Once the application is submitted, there is a requirement for the contractor to then liaise with the Building Control department through the building process in order to then obtain the Building Control completion certificate.

Measured Surveys

If you are proposing any substantial work to your property, we would always advise that a scale set of plans are prepared of the building/site.

In order to have a set of scale plans, we would need to carry out a measured survey.  Generally, this will consist of one of your Surveyors or Technologists spending time at the property to take accurate measurements of the whole property or areas required.  This information can then be transferred to paper, which provides information to the builder and other professionals involved, such as designer, structural engineer and client, which can then be worked from.

As part of a measured survey, we can identify key aspects of a property, which we can then transfer on to paper.  If we required we can show the following information:

  • Measured plans
  • Indicate site boundaries
  • Prepare existing elevations
  • Prepare elevations indicating neighbouring properties.
  • Prepare sections through the property
  • Indicate drainage runs
  • Show key parts of existing services