Getting started with your building project
Starting a building project can feel overwhelming, but getting the right information early can make a big difference. Our team is here to support you before work begins, helping you understand what approvals you may need, what the process involves, and your responsibilities under the Building Regulations.
We can explain how the Building Regulations apply to your project and what to expect as your plans develop. Having this understanding early on can help you avoid delays, unexpected issues, and costly mistakes later.
While we’re here to help you understand the rules and process, the design of your project should be carried out by your chosen designer or professional advisor. Our role is to help ensure that, once a design is in place, the work can meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.
Plan Checking
Plan checking depends on the type of application you choose. It is included with a full plans application, where we review your drawings before work starts.
We check your plans to see if they meet the Building Regulations. This helps find any issues early, so they can be sorted before work begins—saving time, money, and delays.
For some types of work, a full plans application may be required. Even when it isn’t, many people choose this route because of the added reassurance it provides before starting on site.
If you are unsure which type of application is right for your project, see our guide: What type of Building Regulations application do I need?
Site Inspections
We visit your site at key stages of the build to check that the work is safe and follows the Building Regulations. Our approach is practical and supportive, helping to keep your project on track.
To help things run smoothly, it’s important to book inspections at the right stages and make sure work is ready to be checked when our surveyor visits. Being aware of the different inspection stages can also help you plan your project more easily.
What Inspections need to be made
We have useful guidance to support you before, during and at the end of your project, including how to book an inspection, what to expect, and the different inspection stages.
Certification
When your project is finished and meets the Building Regulations, we issue a completion certificate. This confirms that the work meets the required standards. You will usually be asked for this when you sell or remortgage your property.
If you do not have a completion certificate for past work, there may be options to put this right, such as a regularisation application.
You can find more information about certificates, records, and regularisation in the Certification and Records section of our website.
Support you through out your project
From your first enquiry to final sign-off, we’re here to help. Our team includes experienced inspectors and a knowledgeable business support team, so you have the right support at every stage.
We have strong local knowledge and understand the types of projects in our area. This helps us give clear, practical guidance that works for you.
We know building projects can involve a number of steps and requirements. We aim to make these easier to understand by explaining things clearly, so you know what to expect and what to do next.
