Site inspections

What inspections are required

Our surveyors will carry out site inspections to determine that building works being undertaken comply with the Building Regulations. The number and nature of the site inspections vary according to the type of works being undertaken.    

A Building Control Surveyor will visit on your first inspection of the works to discuss further inspections that will have to be made. It is you or your builder's responsibility to notify us on completion of each stage of the work to enable an inspection to be carried out.    

You should notify Building Control before 4:30pm the day before a site inspection is required. This can be done by calling 0113 378 6006.

Please be aware that, if you have not obtained approval where the 'full plan' application option is followed, any works commenced will continue at your own risk until approval is granted. Any works found to be incorrect on the plan examination but carried out on site would have to be corrected.    

All projects will be assessed in terms of the critical elements that need to be inspected and an inspection framework will be developed. For most domestic extensions the following inspections are normally made.    

Commencement

This first inspection during stripping out allows you to meet and discuss your proposals and subsequent course of action with your Building Control Surveyor. This is particularly important for Building Notice applications where no plans have been submitted for approval.    

Foundations

Allows ground conditions to be checked to ensure that the foundations are sufficient to carry the load of your proposals. This inspection must take place before the foundation concrete is poured.

Oversite materials

An inspection will be made before floor areas are concreted or covered to ensure materials and insulation over the site are suitable.    

Damp-proof courses and membranes

Wall damp-proof courses, floor damp proof membranes, methane barriers are to be inspected prior to covering with brickwork or concrete.    

Drainage alignment and fall

All new drainage is inspected for alignment prior to covering over, and to ensure adequate access and fall is provided.    

Drain test

Wherever possible, the new drainage systems should have a water test carried out on them, to check for performance and water tightness.    

Loft conversions

Allows for the inspection of structural frame, insulation, new staircase and discuss any fire precautions or protected routes.    

Internal alteration

This allows for any structural alterations such as new steel beams, pad stones, lintols and internal drainage runs can inspected prior to pre-plaster.

Pre-plasterboard

Allows for the inspection of hidden work and is to be carried out prior to plaster-boarding. This generally will include any structural steelwork and the roof construction.    

Prior to occupation

If you intend to occupy the building prior to completion of the full works, we need to carry out an inspection before occupation.    

Completion

Notification is required when the works are completed to allow this inspection to be carried out. If everything is found to be satisfactory, a completion certificate will be issued. Ideally, this inspection is carried out before the builder leaves the site.    

Please be aware that the inspections we carry out are to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations, particularly health and safety matters. This should not be confused with a full supervision service, which would normally be carried out by your own Architect, Surveyor or Clerk of Works.    

Commercial projects and new housing

For commercial projects and new housing, the above inspections (where appropriate) will be carried out.    

Also, additional inspections such as fire stopping checks and general construction inspections, depending on size and scale of the project, will also be undertaken.    

In all cases, please ensure you contact Leeds Building Control to arrange for a completion inspection before the end of the project. This will ensure that, subject to the works being satisfactory, completion certificate can be issued; this certificate will be required when you come sell your property. It is advisable to obtain a completion certificate before finalising your contract with your builder.    

Completion certificates

Providing that each stage of inspection has been notified to us, and the Building Control Surveyor is satisfied that the work complies with the Building Regulations, a completion certificate will be issued. This certificate is your evidence that the work complies with the Building Regulations and is often required for the sale of your property.