Can I Start Work Before My Building Control Application Is Granted?
In most situations, you should wait until your building control application has been approved before starting work on site. This significantly reduces the risk of non compliance with the Building Regulations and helps avoid delays or costly remedial work later on.
If, however, you do start work before receiving our decision, you must let us know in advance so that any necessary inspections can be arranged at the correct stages. We will work with you to ensure that the work can still be assessed properly, but beginning early is always at your own risk.
It is also important to remember that Building Regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Some projects require both, while others may need only one. Always check which approvals apply to your project.
Potential Consequences of Starting Work Before Approval
While it is possible to begin work before submitting a Full Plans application and giving a Notice of Commencement, this is not recommended, as it removes your right to seek a formal determination if a dispute arises.
If work begins without the required approval, you may later need to apply for Regularisation, and further inspections or remedial works may be required to prove compliance.
Are there any situations where work may begin sooner?
Yes — but these are limited and only apply in specific circumstances:
Building Notice applications
For some domestic projects, you can legally start work 48 hours after submitting a Building Notice once the notice has been accepted by us as the Local Authority Building Control.
Emergency repairs
Urgent works, such as emergency boiler or heating repairs, may proceed without advance approval, although the work must still comply with relevant regulations and may require later inspection.
Competent Person Scheme (CPS) installers
If your contractor is registered with a Competent Person Scheme, they can self‑certify compliance. This means the work can begin without you applying for prior approval.
Higher‑risk buildings
For higher‑risk buildings, some limited types of work, such as emergency repairs or work carried out under a Competent Person Scheme, may not require prior approval.
However, the rules for higher‑risk buildings are complex, and you should always check with us before starting any work to confirm whether approval is needed.
