Home Tales offers an end to end design & build service for homeowners who are looking to undertake home improvement works. So we can help with as little, or as much as you want. Building Control is just one piece of the puzzle, and it’s important you understand what it is, why you need it and how we can help.

What is Building Control?

All building work should meet the current building codes and regulation requirements. A Building Control Officer ensures that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Regulations. Building Regulations set the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for the homeowners. 

Who is responsible for assigning Building Control?

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that Building Control have been appointed. Lots of architects and builders will be able to offer advice. At Home Tales, if you would like us to assist with Building Control, we can appoint an officer on your behalf. We prepare and submit the application and answer any initial queries that your assigned officer has with regards to the drawings. 

How do I appoint my Building Control Officer?

There are various companies or agencies that offer Building Control services. You can use your Local Council. You can use an approved independent body (a private company). In this case it might be called something slightly different, like an Approved Inspector.

What does a Building Control Officer do?

The assigned officer will check over the drawings and confirm they are compliant with current UK Building Control Regulations. There are a variety of items they look out for. For example, did you know that there is a minimum size a WC can be? They also have strong rules to follow on fire safety. If you’re going very open plan, they may request you install a fancy sprinkler system. This is to address any potential risks of fire spreading throughout the property. They might also request internal doors open in a particular way, hand railings are a certain height etc. After they sign off on the drawings, they will conduct various site visits during the build.

How can Home Tales help?

If you use our Project Management Service, we will meet your Building Control Officer onsite at the necessary stages during your build. They check lots of stuff, for example they want to see the steel has gone in safely and to their standards. At the end of the build, they issue a certificate to confirm UK safety standards have been met. This is very important if you wish to sell your property in future, as your solicitor will request the certificates during the legal process.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Home Tales team on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk.