Building Control Timeline
Research
Search online, get advice from friends and family and discuss your project in detail with those able to carry out the work. Collect multiple quotes from architects and builders and - if required - get planning permission.
Make sure you understand your dutyholder responsibilities and have appointed your designer and/or contractor (if known) before you submit your application.
The LABC Front Door website is an excellent resource for homeowners.
Find out if your project is exempt from building regulations, or can be carried out under the Competent Persons Scheme instead.
Get a quote
You must have a quote before you apply to us. We offer free, no-obligation quotes and we are competitively priced.
This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your project with our team and ensure you have everything covered in your application.
Make an application
From 1 October 2023, significant changes to the building regime came into force. This has changed the application process. Make sure you are aware of the changes before you complete your application. Please read further information about the Building Safety Act.
Our most popular application types are Building Notices for minor changes, or Full Plans Notices - which cover most other projects.
Visit our Application types webpage to find out which application is best for your project.
You can submit an application online. Please make sure that you include any additional information to help us understand your project - such as detailed plans, calculations, connectivity plans and supplementary information in relation to the Building Safety Act.
Approval
Once your application has been approved you will receive a notification with the schedule of inspection notifications included. This outlines the touchpoints our Building Control team need with your project, so we can check and approve your work. Find out when you need to notify us.
Start of works
Our first visit will normally be at the very start of work.
We may also need to make an additional visit, to establish that work has commenced. This prevents the application from becoming invalid after three years. This is now known as Commencement and means that all sub-structure work is completed to floor level - or that 15% of the controllable work has been done.
Find out more about the difference between the start of works and the commencement of works via our Building Safety Act information.
Site visits and inspections
Remember to book your in-person site visits. We offer a next-day service so no need to worry about delays!
Find out how to book a site inspection.
Completion
Your final visit from us will be your completion.
You must provide us with a completion notice. On receipt, we'll check all the final details and any additional paperwork, and make sure that everything meets the regulations. You will then receive your Completion Certificate. You can be reassured that your building has been independently inspected and is safe.