Building standards inspection guidance

We would encourage the use of Certificates of Construction (electrical and drainage, heating and plumbing) as this may reduce the need for inspection of these building elements.

The Construction Compliance and Notification Plan (CCNP) issued with your building warrant identifies when you need to inform us of key construction stages. You must notify us in line with your CCNP to allow us to discuss with you our inspection, or agree what alternative evidence we will accept at each stage. This may include the use of remote verification inspections, photographs or reports from appropriate professionals.

Alternative evidence must be discussed and agreed by us. Do not submit alternative evidence that we haven't agreed with you as it may not be acceptable.

It is the responsibility of the relevant person (usually the property owner or developer) to ensure works are carried out in accordance with the approved building warrant plans and specification. 

General site inspections

• When you are contacted about the inspection, you must tell us if anyone at the property is self-isolating or has been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has recently gone into self-isolation. If they have, you will need to arrange a new date for the inspection to take place after the self-isolation period has ended.
• All site visits are to follow physical distancing rules - remain 2 metres apart from any site personnel / building occupiers.
• The property to be inspected should be generally fully complete and free of site operatives.
• If any smoke alarms or fans need activated, you should be able to do so on request.
• No paperwork should be handed over.

Construction sites

• Building standards staff should follow the construction sites own health & safety protocols and induction for inspection purposes, in line with latest government guidelines. In the event that any induction can be done remotely, details should be forwarded to building standards staff.
• The site specific COVID-19 safety documentation should be emailed for review before the site visit. Ensure COVID-19 related safety measures on site are in place and are being followed.
• Site staff to be asked to maintain physical distancing at all times (remain two meters apart).
• All doors should be open and hatches open with ladder in place. This will reduce contact with any surfaces.
• The building to be inspected must be suitably cleaned before the visit and where possible, arrange for windows to be kept open for ventilation.
• The site agent should wait outside the property or maintain at least two metres physical distancing at all times.
• Drain testing should be signed off by site personnel to limit time on site and to comply with physical distancing. Certificates of construction are encouraged as a longer term solution.

Domestic properties

• On arrival, our staff will ask for confirmation of whether anyone at the property is self-isolating or has been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or has recently gone into self-isolation.
• Inspection may be carried out from outside the property. Ensure gates are open and there are no obstructions.
• Leave all doors, cupboards and hatches open and ready for inspection. Ensure the building/area is clean, free of obstacles and where possible, arrange for windows to be kept open to aid ventilation of the premises.
• Where possible other occupants of the property are in a separate room/area to reduce the likelihood of contact.