Building control question

[TSS]

This is actually about a commercial premises but I thought this forum would probably be most appropriate.

We are having some office partitioning done and the contractor has agreed to sort out the building control side of things.

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

What should we receive as proof this has been done and everything is Ok? Should we receive we get a certificate of some sort? And if so is there normally a delay before we receive it?

Thanks,

TSS

[Sam_68]

TSS said:

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

What should we receive as proof this has been done and everything is Ok?

You should get a full copy of the application submitted, including the forms and and drawings or supporting documentation, for your records.

Building Control will issue a receipt for the application, which it is perfectly reasonable to expect a copy of, again for your records, and as proof of the submission date.

Are they intending to do it by means of a Building Notice or a Full Plans Application?

If the latter, you should get a Plans Approval Notice before you start work and a Completion Certificate when the work has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the drawings. If the former, you'll only get a completion certificate, and you may be financially exposed if the Building Control inspector decides half way through the work that there are problems with compliance.

[Busamav]

TSS said:

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

You should get a comnpletion certificate from the Approved Inspector , there is no reason it cannot be issued straight after a satisfactory inspection has taken place .

The approved inspector would have notified local council office that they are dealing with the works .

[JR]

Busamav said:

TSS said:

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

You should get a comnpletion certificate from the Approved Inspector , there is no reason it cannot be issued straight after a satisfactory inspection has taken place.

That's what should happen. What happens if the application is unsatisfactory? They've only contracted to make the application, not see that it gets passed.

[Busamav]

JR said:

Busamav said:

TSS said:

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

You should get a comnpletion certificate from the Approved Inspector , there is no reason it cannot be issued straight after a satisfactory inspection has taken place.

That's what should happen. What happens if the application is unsatisfactory? They've only contracted to make the application, not see that it gets passed.

My error , I hadnt assumed he had been misled by the contractor

I would expect that the undertaking given to a lay employer to mean they will deal with the whole process, as will all fit out contractors I know ( as I deal with it on their behalf ) .

Edited by Busamav on Tuesday 21st December 15:21

[JR]

Busamav said:

JR said:

Busamav said:

TSS said:

On their quote they have said “To make a statutory application to an approved Building Inspector in respect of Building Regulations”

You should get a comnpletion certificate from the Approved Inspector , there is no reason it cannot be issued straight after a satisfactory inspection has taken place.

That's what should happen. What happens if the application is unsatisfactory? They've only contracted to make the application, not see that it gets passed.

My error , I hadnt assumed he had been misled by the contractor

I would expect that the undertaking given to a lay employer to mean they will deal with the whole process, as will all fit out contractors I know ( as I deal with it on their behalf ) .

Well, it was half flippant but there have been a couple of people on here who have come unstuck on this very point. In this case however you wouldn't think that there is a lot that could go wrong with partitining.

[TSS]

Thanks for the replies everybody. I believe that they are doing it by means of a Building Notice.

A building control officer from the council turned up half way through the works as I think there had been some sort of cock up with regards to the notification to somebody or other and the commencement of works. Anyway his view was that everything being done looked fine and he was happy with it.

The reason I asked the question is to find out what we should have in our possession before paying the contractor’s invoice. Otherwise I foresee endless chasing to get hold of it!

[Busamav]

TSS said:

The reason I asked the question is to find out what we should have in our possession before paying the contractor’s invoice. Otherwise I foresee endless chasing to get hold of it!

It is not unreasonable or unusual to hold a final amount untill you have confirmation that the job is signed off.

If I remember correctly , some may not issue a " Completion Certificate " with a building notice.

I would suggest giving the inspector a call to see where it is at .


edit on spelling

Edited by Busamav on Tuesday 21st December 18:54

[davepoth]

Busamav said:

TSS said:

The reason I asked the question is to find out what we should have in our possession before paying the contractor’s invoice. Otherwise I foresee endless chasing to get hold of it!

It is not unreasonable or unusual to hold a final amount untill you have confirmation that the pob is signed off.

If I remember correctly , some may not issue a " Completion Certificate " with a building notice.

I would suggest giving the inspector a call to see where it is at .

Or at least ask for a copy of the application from the builder.

[mk1fan]

Sam_68 said:

Are they intending to do it by means of a Building Notice or a Full Plans Application?

Commercial property would need to be Full Plans.

Slightly off topic but do you [th OP] own the property or is it being leased?

[jules_s]

mk1fan said:

Sam_68 said:

Are they intending to do it by means of a Building Notice or a Full Plans Application?

Commercial property would need to be Full Plans.

Indeed, the fire officer will want a look-see

Insurance will be an issue without a completion certificate too.

[TSS]

mk1fan said:

Sam_68 said:

Are they intending to do it by means of a Building Notice or a Full Plans Application?

Commercial property would need to be Full Plans.

Slightly off topic but do you [th OP] own the property or is it being leased?

Must be full plans then. I will confirm with the contractor.

Does ownership of the building make a difference?

Edited by TSS on Wednesday 22 December 13:39

[GuinnessMK]

TSS said:

Does ownership of the building make a difference?

No, but you should have applied for a licence to alter from the landlord if you are renting. The licence will normally be dependant on the works being compliant with Building Regs.

[TSS]

GuinnessMK said:

TSS said:

Does ownership of the building make a difference?

No, but you should have applied for a licence to alter from the landlord if you are renting. The licence will normally be dependant on the works being compliant with Building Regs.

It's Ok, I am the landlord.