Building Control 101: A Plain-English Guide

If you’re self-building, developing, or designing, building control can feel like a maze. This guide explains who does what, the key stages from design to sign-off, and practical ways to avoid delays so you can pass first time with Yorkshire Building Control.

What is Building Control and why it matters

Building control checks that your project meets Building Regulations for safety, structure, energy efficiency, accessibility, and more. It protects people and property, and it’s a legal requirement for most building work in England.

Who does what: roles and responsibilities

- Client or Developer: commissions the work and is ultimately accountable for compliance.

- Principal Designer and Designers: coordinate design work and ensure designs comply with Building Regulations.

- Principal Contractor and Contractors: plan, manage, and monitor site work to build in compliance.

- Building Control Approver: independently checks plans and construction to verify compliance and issues the final certificate when satisfied.

Note: For the highest-risk buildings (HRBs), the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is the building control authority, with enhanced gateways and evidence requirements.

The building control journey: stage-by-stage

1) Early advice and feasibility

- What it is: Upfront guidance on routes to compliance, early risks, and test requirements.

- Why it matters: Small design choices early on prevent costly rework later.

2) Appoint your Building Control Approver

- Appoint Yorkshire Building Control (YBC) as your Building Control Approver so we can engage early, agree the inspection plan, and support your team through to completion.

3) Design review (plan check)

- We review drawings, specifications, and calculations for compliance across structure, fire safety, ventilation, sanitation, energy, and access.

- Typical pre-start items: SAP and water calculations, ventilation strategy, U-values, fire separation and escape routes, structure, and details that affect airtightness.

4) Site inspections (typical stages)

- Before foundations are poured

- Damp-proof course

- Drainage below ground (pre-backfill)

- Structural elements (steelwork/timber frame/roof structure)

- Insulation/air-tightness readiness

- Fire stopping, compartmentation, and protection details

- Final inspection before completion

Your exact schedule depends on the project type and risk profile; you must notify building control at key stages and before completion.

5) Completion certificate

- When the work meets Building Regulations and all evidence is in, your building control body issues a completion certificate for your records, funders, insurers, and conveyancers.

Important note for higher-risk buildings (HRBs)

For multi-occupied residential buildings, hospitals, and care homes meeting HRB thresholds, the BSR oversees building control with Gateway 2 (design approval before construction) and Gateway 3 (completion/occupation approvals). Evidence requirements are more rigorous and digital “golden thread” information must be maintained.

How to pass first time with Yorkshire Building Control

- Early, practical design input: We flag compliance risks early and work with your architect and engineer to solve them before site.

- Proactive inspection plan: Agile scheduling keeps you on programme and avoids rework.

- One-stop compliance testing and evidence: YBC coordinates key compliance tests and documentation so you’re never chasing paperwork at the end, including:

  - As-Designed and As-Built SAP calculations

  - Air tightness testing

  - Extractor fan testing

  - Water usage calculations

  - Sound testing

  - Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

  - HETAS sign-off for log-burning stoves

  - Bath temperature testing

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

- Late energy and ventilation design: Lock in SAP, water calcs, ventilation, and insulation details before you start.

- Fire-stopping afterthoughts: Detail penetrations, cavity barriers, and compartment lines on drawings and check onsite installation.

- Missing evidence: Capture test results, product data, and installation photos as you go - don’t wait until completion.

- Unscheduled works: Notify YBC before covering up key elements (drainage, insulation, structural steel) to avoid opening-up.

Your compliance checklist

- Appoint YBC and agree an inspection plan

- Provide drawings/specs, structural calcs, SAP/water calcs

- Confirm ventilation and airtightness strategy

- Schedule pre-cover inspections

- Book required tests early (air, sound, fans)

- Keep all certificates and photos organised for completion

Ready to simplify compliance and pass first time? Request a quote or book a free consultation with Yorkshire Building Control today: Book Online

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