Build reg inspections

c9656750 · 8 Nov 2010

Hi

Just having an extension built, and i know that BC need to check that works are up to scratch (various things etc), are there any "mandatory" inspections..

i realise that BC need to see everything is done as you go, and its up to the builder / you to ensure they can inspect to their satisfaction, but are there any inspection you "must" have at any stage?

Ta

DevilDamo · 8 Nov 2010

Your BCO should be able to inform you of the stages, but they are usually... foundation excavation, foundation concrete, dpc, oversite, roof, drainage. I'm sure the stages may have changed since I used to work in BC but they're the main parts from memory.

If in doubt, ask

freddiemercurystwin · 8 Nov 2010

If you've had drawings approved by Building Control the stages will be included in the Approval but otherwise its something like this although it can vary slightly between authority's

Foundation excavations prior to concreting
Foundation concrete
Over-site (ground floor) prior to concreting
Damp proof course prior to covering
Foul water drainage prior to backfilling
Surface water drainage prior to backfilling
Occupation prior to completion
Completion of works

joinerjohn · 8 Nov 2010

Once put a hipped roof on an extension. Told owner to get BC out once the roof timbers were up. Next day the owner informed me that BC had failed the roof as one of the hips was touching the outside brickwork.
I phoned up the BC and asked whether he'd got up on the scaffold (Only ground floor extension) and had a look. He told me, he didn't get paid enough to climb up any scaffolding.
I explained that the hip didn't touch the outside brickwork anywhere, having had to cut 2 x birdsmouths. One to seat on the wall plate and the second to clear the external brickwork.
He said "Ahh well that's ok then. I'll pass the roof."

I still wonder how he managed to inspect 2 storey extension roofs?
With binoculars

^woody^ · 8 Nov 2010

Don't be misled into thinking that the BCO will be checking all the work to see if it is "up to scratch". The BCO will just be checking that the various stages are done, and or as per the plans and this will have nothing to do with checking the work for quality.

It is possible to have a crap job pass all BCO inspections

jeds · 8 Nov 2010

It's a good question. As far as I know there is no minimum number of visits. Many jobs get two or three visits throughout the whole job and others can be 10 or 12. And, as woody says, either way it tells you nothing about the quality of the work.

noseall · 8 Nov 2010

Apart from the more conspicuous inspections already mentioned, there are others such as structural steels and knock-through steels, pad-stones, floor joists, proprietary catnic style lintels (particularly heavy duty fellas), any venting items etc.

The BCO usually mentions the next visit before leaving.

TicklyT · 8 Nov 2010

I daresay each individual BCO soon learns both which elements of a job he can trust a builder to do correctly if just left to get on with it, and which builders he can't trust to do anything correctly.

noseall · 8 Nov 2010

TicklyT said:
I daresay each individual BCO soon learns both which elements of a job he can trust a builder to do correctly if just left to get on with it, and which builders he can't trust to do anything correctly.

Irrelevant.
Stipulated inspections have to be carried out regardless.

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Build reg inspections

joinerjohn

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