Non-Statutory Building Control Inspections

In addition to the mandatory inspections, Building Control may also wish to inspect at other stages, so ask them during the first inspection. They will probably make the additional checks when they can during the mandatory inspections. They may wish to check on the following (though this list is not exhaustive):

Floor joists

The size, grade and centres of joists will be checked together with how they bear on the internal wall leaf (ask the inspector how he wants the ends of the joists protected), lateral restraint straps and noggins.

Roof timbers

The size, grade and centre of timbers together with the bracing, lateral restraint and wall plate straps will be checked. The inspector may also wish to see the provision for ensuring movement of air into the roof space (a belt and braces job requires a vapour permeable membrane and either eaves ventilators or over facia vents is a good idea).

Insulation

The material used and thickness within the cavity walls, over the slab, within the roof space and within any sloping ceilings.
In our experience, the requirement for acoustic insulation between floors and possibly within the walls surrounding any room with a toilet, has been a subject of debate with Building Control, so check early on their current position.

Stairs

Items of interest will include the pitch of the stairs, the height and depth of the treads, distance between spindles, height of balustrading, the width of landings and any restrictions imposed by doors that may open onto them.

Entrance and other doors on the ground floor

The entrance door must provide an opening of at least 775mm and the threshold must not be more than 14mm deep to facilitate wheelchairs. It is up to you whether you provide all other external doors with these specifications.

Electrical work

A check may be made on the height of switches and sockets and the provision of smoke detectors and energy efficient light pendants. As with all other specifics noted here, this detail will be on the detailed plans.

Guarding around Drops - External

Where there is a drop of more than 600mm then there should be a handrail or other form of guard which is at least 1100mm high and not readily climbable by children. If not a solid guard ie. balustrades or stair sides, then a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass through any openings in the guarding.

Completion Certificate

If the Local Authority has been satisfied at each inspection stage, the requirements of the Building Regulations have been met and any conditions on an approved plan have also been met, a Completion Certificate will be issued.

Home Information Packs

As at May 2010, you will no longer need to provide a HIP by law when selling your house. If you still wish to provide one (they used to cost about £300) then information on these is available via our Useful Links / HIPs page. With regard to the required Energy Performance Certificate, your architect, if accredied as an Assessor, will be able to provide the certificate, using information from the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation carried out as part of the design process. See plumbingpages.com for more information on SAP.