🏗️ What Does Building Control Do in the United Kingdom?

If you’re planning to build, extend, or renovate your home in the UK, you’ve probably heard the term “Building Control.”
But what exactly is Building Control, and why do you need it?

In simple terms, Building Control is all about making sure your building project is safe, legal, and built to the right standards. Let’s break it down.

🧱 What Is Building Control?

Building Control is a government-approved system that checks building work to make sure it meets the Building Regulations — the official rules that set the minimum standards for design, construction, and safety in buildings across the UK.

These regulations cover everything from:

Structural safety
Fire protection
Energy efficiency
Accessibility
Drainage and ventilation
Electrical and plumbing standards

So, while planning permission focuses on how your building looks and its impact on the neighbourhood, Building Control focuses on how your building is built.

🧰 Who Carries Out Building Control?

In the UK, you have two main options for Building Control:

Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
- This is your local council’s Building Control department.
- They’re public officers who inspect and approve building work in your area.
Approved Inspectors (Private Building Control)
- These are private companies or professionals authorised by the government to provide the same service.
- They can sometimes offer more flexibility or faster response times, especially for small residential projects. They are usually also more helpful in giving their opinions/advice.

Both must follow the same regulations — the only difference is who you choose to work with.

🏠 When Do You Need Building Control?

You’ll need Building Control approval for most construction or alteration work, including the following:

Building a new home
Loft conversions
Extensions and garage conversions
Removing load-bearing walls
Replacing floors, roofs, or staircases
Installing drainage or new plumbing systems

Even smaller jobs, like rewiring or installing new windows, sometimes need to comply with Building Regulations. If in doubt, always check with your local authority building control.

👷‍♀️ How the Building Control Process Works

Here’s what usually happens when you start a project:

1. Application or Notice

You (or your architect/engineer) submit either a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice to Building Control.

Full Plans means your detailed drawings are checked before work starts.
Building Notice is a simpler process for smaller projects — but work is inspected as it progresses.

In larger & more complex jobs, Full Plans is the way to go. This ensures the design is approved and accepted by Building Control prior to your builder starting the works. This ensures there’s more certainty with the overall construction programme and reduces last minute changes / surprises. It is not uncommon for Building Control to request additional information or request verification from your design team, so it is best to have it all approved & agreed before proceeding with the works.

2. Inspections During Construction

A Building Control Officer (or Approved Inspector) will visit your site at key stages, such as:

When foundations are dug
When structural beams or joists are installed
Before floors, walls, or roofs are covered up

They’ll make sure everything meets the required standards. Where there are works that appear to be non-compliant, they will write up a report and outline what needs to be rectified or confirmed by your designers/builder.

3. Final Inspection and Certificate

Once the work is complete and compliant, Building Control issues a Completion Certificate.
This is proof that your building work meets Building Regulations — and you’ll need it if you ever sell your property.

🧠 Why Building Control Matters

Building Control might feel like red tape, but it actually protects you as a homeowner. Here’s how:

✅ Safety: Ensures your home is structurally sound and fire-safe.
✅ Quality: Helps prevent poor workmanship or unsafe shortcuts.
✅ Value: Makes your property more secure and saleable (no certificate = legal issues when selling).
✅ Peace of mind: You know your home is safe for your family and future owners.

🧩 How Structural Engineers Work with Building Control

A structural engineer plays a key role in this process.
They design and calculate the structural parts of your project — like beams, joists, and foundations — and their reports or drawings are submitted to Building Control for approval.

Building Control officers often review these calculations & drawings to confirm the design meets the safety standards set by the regulations.
In short, the structural engineer designs it, and Building Control makes sure it’s built right.

⚙️ In Summary

Building Control exists to make sure your project is safe, legal, and built properly — from the foundation to the roof.
Whether you use your local council or a private inspector, their job is to protect you, your home, and anyone who lives in it.

So next time you start a renovation, loft conversion, or extension, remember:
🏡 Your builder builds it, your engineer designs it, and Building Control makes sure it’s safe & compliant to live in.

HM Structures