Step 1. Submit Your Building Regulations Application
If your building work has not started yet, and the application is not for a Regularisation (used when work has already been done) or a Reversion (used when work started under a private Building Control Approver but is now transferring to the council), you can apply for Building Control approval in one of two ways:
- Full Plans, or
- Building Notice
The right option will depend on the type and complexity of the work you are planning.
Step 2. Before work starts on site – helpful things to know
Before work begins, it’s worth taking a moment to understand a few key points. Thinking about these points early on helps the project run smoothly and can avoid delays later.
Changes to the build: If the design or construction changes please let us know as soon as possible. Early discussion helps prevent issues and ensures the work continues to comply.
Competent Person Scheme work: Some work, such as electrical installations or replacement windows, may be done under a Competent Person Scheme. This work must be properly notified so it can be recorded before completion.
Fees: All Building Control fees must be fully paid before a Completion Certificate can be issued. Making sure fees are settled promptly helps avoid unnecessary delays at the end of the project. Full details about charges are set out in our Charging Scheme and Fee Schedule.
Once your fee has been confirmed, you can pay your Building Control fees using the payment options provided with your invoice, including by telephone or via a payment link.
Responsibility and roles: While you may appoint a builder, designer or contractor to carry out the work, you remain legally responsible for ensuring your project complies with the Building Regulations. Everyone involved in the project also has specific legal duties to help make sure the work is carried out safely and correctly.
Step 3. Starting Work on Site
Before starting work, please remember:
- You are legally responsible for making sure your project complies with the Building Regulations and any other relevant legislation.
- Building Regulations approval is separate from planning permission, and you may need one or both.
Step 4. Book inspections at the right stages
Our Registered Building Inspectors carry out inspections at key stages of the build to make sure work complies with the Building Regulations before it is covered up. Getting work checked as the project moves along helps avoid delays, re work, or problems at the final inspection.
You or your builder should book inspections in advance using the LABC app, our online form, or by calling our team.
A guide to the typical inspection stages is available below:
Some minimum notification periods apply for certain inspection types:
| Inspection type | What notification period applies |
|---|---|
| Start of Work | 2 days’ notice before work begins on site. |
| Commencement | Notice must be given within 5 days of when work is officially classed as started, as defined by the Building Regulations (Regulation 46A).
Building work is not considered started when plans are made, materials are delivered, or initial digging begins. For most buildings and extensions, work is only classed as started once the foundations and ground‑floor structure are complete. For other types of work, it is when around 15% of the agreed work has been carried out. |
| Completion | You must tell us at least 5 days before work is finished.
A Notice of Completion must then be signed by all duty holders and returned within 5 days of the work being completed. If this notice is not submitted on time, your Completion Certificate may be delayed |
Step 5. The Final Inspection
All inspections are important, but the final inspection is critical because it confirms the completed work complies and allows us to issue the Completion Certificate.
Please ensure you:
- Arrange the final inspection within 5 days of the work finishing, ideally before the builder leaves site
- Confirm a Notice of Completion has been signed by all duty holders
- Ensure all Building Control fees are fully paid
- Check that any Competent Person Scheme work (such as electrics or glazing) has been correctly notified
We cannot issue a Completion Certificate without a successful final inspection.
Step 6. Completion Certificate
Once the Inspector is happy that the work meets the Building Regulations and the final inspection has been successfully completed, the Inspector will confirm that a Completion Certificate can be issued.
Before we send this out, we complete a final check to make sure we’ve received all the required information and that any outstanding fees have been paid. This helps ensure the certificate is issued accurately and without problems later on.
If anything is missing or needs sorting, we’ll let you know clearly what’s needed so the certificate can be issued as soon as possible.
A Completion Certificate is an important legal document and is often required when:
- Selling your property
- Remortgaging
- Arranging or renewing insurance
It is important to keep your Completion Certificate in a safe place for future use.
We’re here to help
We know that building projects can feel complex, but you’re not expected to navigate the process on your own. If you’re unsure about any stage, have questions about inspections, fees, or paperwork, or just want to check you’re on the right track, please get in touch. Our team is here to support you and help your project progress smoothly from start to finish.
