What Can the Building Control Officer Actually Check On Site?

Building Control Officers (BCOs) carry out inspections at key stages of construction to verify compliance with Building Regulations. But their role is often misunderstood — both in terms of what they look at and how much legal protection their inspections provide.

The BCO’s Role

The BCO’s function is to check that work appears to comply with Building Regulations at the time of inspection. They are not certifying the quality of workmanship in general — they are checking specific regulatory requirements.

BCOs do not:
– Provide structural calculations or design advice
– Guarantee all work is correct
– Inspect every element of the build
– Certify that work not visible at the time of inspection is compliant

They do:
– Request drawings and calculations at application stage
– Carry out stage inspections as notified
– Issue completion certificates confirming that, as far as can be reasonably ascertained, the work complies

Key Stage Inspections

The specific inspections vary by BCO and project, but for a structural alteration project, typical inspections include:

Commencement notice: You must notify Building Control before work begins. Without this, the BCO may not be aware that construction has started.

Foundation inspection: BCO visits to check the foundation excavation before concrete is poured. They are checking the depth, width, and surrounding ground conditions. This is typically the most critical inspection — once concrete is in, nothing can be verified.

Structural steelwork: BCO inspects beams, connections, and padstones before walls are rebuilt and steelwork is concealed.

Roof structure: For loft conversions, the BCO checks the structural elements of the new floor and roof before plastering and boarding in.

Completion inspection: A final walk-through to check compliance on all visible elements before the completion certificate is issued.

Structural Drawings During Inspection

The structural drawings from PorthouseDean should be on site and available to the BCO at each relevant stage inspection. The BCO will cross-reference what they see against the approved drawings. If major deviations are present, they may issue a contravention notice or request remedial work.

Implications for Self-Builds and DIY Projects

If you are managing the project yourself without a contractor, the onus for notifying Building Control of each stage inspection falls on you. Missed inspection stages — particularly the foundation inspection — can result in the BCO requiring opening-up works to verify compliance, or in the worst case, refusing to issue a completion certificate.

Keep a record of all BCO inspection visit dates and any comments received during inspection.

Contact us if you have a site query about the structural elements of your project.