Building in phases and signing off

Sistergold

Hello
For some you saw me asking for opinion on drawings for extending the house. I thank those who gave positive and negative comments concerning the proposed extension. 

I have also noted that many times people do extend and forget or don’t get the works  signed off on completion which later causes problems when selling. 

After planning permission is granted if I decide to split the works and build over time by dividing works into phases, can I have the finished aspect signed off? 

For example on the plans as a single application, I have a back extension, side extension and front extension which can all be done at different times or parts not done at all. 

So if for instance I only build the side extension can I have it signed off on its own although it was part of a bigger application or do I have to have all the separate extensions done before I can have anything signed off? 

If part is signed off, does it then close the rest of the planning permission? Will it be that at a later date to now do the other extensions I need to do a fresh application? 

I suppose this could also fall within the building control aspect? Do I have to apply for 3 separate building controls so as to later get 3 different sign offs or can I still have one building control application and have aspects signed off as they are finished?

Basically I just want to do the side extension for now. After completion of just the side extension I wanted to get that signed off and still leave the application live just in case I want to the later do the front for instance. I know that one has to start the build within 3yrs of getting permission, but can the parts done be completely signed off as I go along?

Sorry for the long post please show kindness and bear with me as I just had no clue. 

Doozergirl

Building Control isn't linked to planning, so you can apply in phases.  If it is happening over a long period of time, it would be advisable to do it that way.  

Sistergold

Thank you @Doozergirl
If planning permission is done as a single application and has been granted as a single application. Can the 3 parts be built and signed off individually? For individual signing off do the 3 sections need to have 3 different building regulations applications or can it be a single building regulations application and allow for the 3 sections to be built over time with individual sign offs over the years? 

Doozergirl

As I said, building control can be done in phases - so it can be three or more separate projects that can all be signed off separately.  It's totally separate to planning.  

The risk is higher if you do it as one over time.  If circumstances change and you don't carry out part of the work, it can't be signed off, as the whole project remains unfinished.  It's also better for your own piece of mind that your builder has done everything correctly in each phase contract.   It provides the ultimate cut off point for physical completion of a project and payment of final invoices.  If, for some reason, you use a different builder for one phase, they won't be keen on taking on responsibility for the quality of someone else's work either.  

It will cost a bit more in phases, but that's better than a significant amount of building work with no sign off.  

Sistergold

Doozergirl said:

As I said, building control can be done in phases - so it can be three or more separate projects that can all be signed off separately.  It's totally separate to planning.  

The risk is higher if you do it as one over time.  If circumstances change and you don't carry out part of the work, it can't be signed off, as the whole project remains unfinished.  It's also better for your own piece of mind that your builder has done everything correctly in each phase contract.   It provides the ultimate cut off point for physical completion of a project and payment of final invoices.  If, for some reason, you use a different builder for one phase, they won't be keen on taking on responsibility for the quality of someone else's work either.  

It will cost a bit more in phases, but that's better than a significant amount of building work with no sign off.  

Thank you for explaining. Makes sense now

DevilDamo

As DG has already mentioned, having one Planning application does not mean you have to submit one Building Regulation application.

Whichever part you decide to proceed with first, once works do start... that has then implemented the Planning approval for ‘all’ works with no expiry limit to complete them.

Something to note is that Planning would not normally like you to complete only the ground floor works for a two storey extension as you haven’t in theory carried out the works in accordance with the approved drawings. This is more commonly associated for those who build out at single storey level and wack a flat roof on it ready for when they build out at first floor level.

Sistergold

Thank you @DevilDamo
Yes I plan is to complete double story as first phase. It was the building regulations and signing off that was confusing to me.