Building inspector visits/timeframe

NQManchester

Hi,

Does anyone know how many visits I should expect from building control for a load bearing wall removal please? 

Our building control have been really unhelpful at explaining the process to me and I can’t ever get through to them on the phone.

We had the wall removed at the beginning of September and the inspector came and did a quick view of the beam in situ and said it was fine and we can cover it up…

I was then expecting some sort of communication from them but heard nothing so have followed up with them asking what the next step is.

They then replied saying they need to book a final inspection before I cover the work up… I’ve pointed out they already inspected the beam and told us we could cover it up but they still want to come back again. There’s literally nothing else much to see other than some plastered walls and I’ve asked them what the inspection is for and they just said they'll tell us when they come…

Does this sound usual? They weren’t signing anything else off but the wall removal and I’ve told them we haven’t gotten the fire door fitted yet so aren’t actually 100% finished but still want to come this week. 

Causing me stress that they’ll want me to remove a wall of plaster. 

Thanks!

TELLIT01

My experience of Building Control hasn't been great either.  They twice failed to turn up on the required date, delaying progress by nearly 2 weeks.  The BC Officer stated they were happy with the work and another visit would not be required.  They then claimed they wouldn't provide a compliance certificate because a final visit hadn't been done and the builder hadn't paid bill, this despite the builder providing them with the invoice numbers issued by the council.  The problem was actually caused by a new IT system which was taking the money but not associating it withe the invoice number!  They then said it would require another visit before sign off.  A different BC Officer arrived, said he'd never seen a conservatory roof replaced by lightweight solid before and asked me what the construction was.  We did finally get the compliance cert about 3 months after the work was completed.

NQManchester

TELLIT01 said:

My experience of Building Control hasn't been great either.  They twice failed to turn up on the required date, delaying progress by nearly 2 weeks.  The BC Officer stated they were happy with the work and another visit would not be required.  They then claimed they wouldn't provide a compliance certificate because a final visit hadn't been done and the builder hadn't paid bill, this despite the builder providing them with the invoice numbers issued by the council.  The problem was actually caused by a new IT system which was taking the money but not associating it withe the invoice number!  They then said it would require another visit before sign off.  A different BC Officer arrived, said he'd never seen a conservatory roof replaced by lightweight solid before and asked me what the construction was.  We did finally get the compliance cert about 3 months after the work was completed.

How annoying, glad it’s sorted.
I’ve asked them repeatedly if they can explain the process so me as I’m a clueless homeowner but they never answer questions properly and don’t answer the phone and their website might as well be written in Chinese for all the clarity it provides. 

I think I’m just unnecessarily stressing but I can’t understand why they’d want to come see a plastered wall or why if that is what they want to see they have to be so mysterious about it. I’ve asked twice what the visit is to see. 
I could understand if they wanted to check I’ve put in the fire door but I’ve told them I haven’t yet and they still want to come.

bpj

In my experience they always want to see the finished job, and I think you are supposed to let them know within a couple of days of completion (around here at least). I would make sure to take lots of photos at every stage just in case.

Often the beam needs to be covered with fire resistant plasterboard. In our case they were happy to accept photos of this rather than needing to visit before it was skimmed, but that might be worth confirming.

NQManchester

bpj said:

In my experience they always want to see the finished job, and I think you are supposed to let them know within a couple of days of completion (around here at least). I would make sure to take lots of photos at every stage just in case.

Often the beam needs to be covered with fire resistant plasterboard. In our case they were happy to accept photos of this rather than needing to visit before it was skimmed, but that might be worth confirming.

Ok so it’s already skimmed and I don’t think I have a photo of the fire resistant plasterboard 🤦‍♀️

At no point has any one at BC told me they’d have to come again after the last inspection or what they’d need to see and I’ve tried asking repeatedly. Probably should have asked on here earlier. 

Thank you for your response.

ChasingtheWelshdream

We are at the same stage as you. One inspection was to see the beam in situ, checking it against the SE plans. They need to come back again to see it finished with with fire retardant coating. Either fire resistant plasterboard or fire resistant paint. At this point they will (hopefully) issue the completion certificate. 

Does your council give contact details of the actual inspector who covers your area? We found the generic number wasn't much use, but we could then speak to the the designated officer who is extremely helpful.

NQManchester

ChasingtheWelshdream said:

We are at the same stage as you. One inspection was to see the beam in situ, checking it against the SE plans. They need to come back again to see it finished with with fire retardant coating. Either fire resistant plasterboard or fire resistant paint. At this point they will (hopefully) issue the completion certificate. 

Does your council give contact details of the actual inspector who covers your area? We found the generic number wasn't much use, but we could then speak to the the designated officer who is extremely helpful.

Thank you, that’s helpful to know! 

I have an email address for the inspector but he’s been as unhelpful as the main number.
I’ve tried to explain I have no idea but they still seem to assume I know the full process. 

TELLIT01

bpj said:

In my experience they always want to see the finished job, and I think you are supposed to let them know within a couple of days of completion (around here at least). I would make sure to take lots of photos at every stage just in case.

Often the beam needs to be covered with fire resistant plasterboard. In our case they were happy to accept photos of this rather than needing to visit before it was skimmed, but that might be worth confirming.

I accept that my situation was different to the OP, but the guy who did our roof has been in the business for over 10 years and said that on all previous jobs they only ever came out to see the construction and never came back to see the completed job as there was nothing to see.  Maybe rules have changed recently.

bpj

Yes, my experience is limited to three jobs, all in the same house, so certainly not gospel.

In our case building control were pretty straightforward in telling us what they needed to see, sounds like the OP's had a much more frustrating experience.

Our acceptance notice was pretty clear that they wanted at least the option of seeing the finished job:

3C Building Services said:

You are required to notify the Authority at the appropriate stages of the work. Adequate notice  
must be given to enable the necessary inspections to be carried out. 

You are required to notify the council at the following stages of the work. 

In all cases:  

 Before commencement of work – 2 working days advance notice; and  
 Any other inspections agreed on site with your surveyor eg: foundations, drainage, structure etc.  
 Before occupation of the building or part of the building – 5 working days advance notice; or  
 Upon completion of the work – notice given not more than 5 working days after the work is finished.

NQManchester

Thanks for everyone’s input, It makes sense they want to come back at completion but I’m just confused because I did say it’s not actually complete yet I.e I don’t have the fire door that I have to have fitted yet so still confused if they’re coming for a completion check despite that and they don’t seem to be able to confirm if that’s the case or not.
I’ll find out on Friday either way but less worried now thank you!

NQManchester

He literally did come and just look at the plastered walls in the end 😂
Thanks for everyone’s responses, made me less stressed about it.