Building Control

[RichA]

I am looking to start my build soon and am considering options for building control.

What are the pros/cons of using private v local authority building control?

How do you go about finding a (good) private approved inspector?

If I start with LABC and then decide to go private, are any fees refundable? i.e. if I want LABC to inspect up to foundations, an then I decide to go Private are my initial fees sunk?

 

[wessex101]

Its a tricky one. I use mostly local council building control but there are a couple of councils where I work where the building control department is bloody useless so in those areas I now use a private inspector. Are you employing a builder? What is his preference? Some of the builders I work with are 100% council or 100% private so I respect their wishes.
Probably worth finding out what the fees are for council and private and going with the cheapest. If in doubt go private as there is more scope for negotiation and a more pragmatic approach from the inspector.

I seem to recall that once you submit an application you are tied to that inspection route, you cannot chop and change half way through.

 

[^woody^]

They are not building inspectors, but just checkers of statutory compliance, so I can't see what difference it will make.

Just make sure that you don't use the one who has "inspected" a certain block of flats in London.

 

[tony1851]

If in doubt go private ..... for... a more pragmatic approach from the inspector.

Yes, that was the bit I was looking for!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes, that was the bit I was looking for!

Still getting those reams of conditions tony ....

 

[tony1851]