Building Control vs Approved Inspectors: what's the difference?

If you're planning a construction project in the UK, you'll need to make sure that it meets certain standards for safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. That's where building control comes in.

If you're planning a construction project in the UK, you'll need to make sure that it meets certain standards for safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. That's where building control comes in.

But did you know that there are actually two ways to get your project approved?

One is through your local council's building control department, and the other is by hiring an Approved Inspector.

So, what's the difference between the two?

First and foremost, Approved Inspectors are private sector building control bodies that have been approved by the government to carry out building control functions. This means that they are independent of your local council and not influenced by local politics. As a result, they can offer a more personalized and flexible service.

Another key difference is that Approved Inspectors are regulated by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and are held to strict standards of competency and professionalism. Local authority building control, on the other hand, is not subject to the same level of external regulation. This doesn't mean that local authority building control don't know what they are doing!

So, what about cost?

You might assume that using an Approved Inspector would be more expensive, but that's not always the case. In fact, their fees are often similar to those of local authority building control. However, Approved Inspectors may be able to offer more competitive rates for larger projects or for services that your local council doesn't offer.

One potential advantage of using an Approved Inspector is that they may be able to offer a faster and more efficient service, as they are not subject to the same level of workload as local authorities.

In the end, it's up to you to decide which route is best for your project. But if you want a more personalized and flexible service, and don't mind handling the planning permission process separately, an Approved Inspector could be the way to go.