When planning a construction project, understanding Building Regulations and ensuring your work meets the required standards is an important part of the process. Whether you're developing a new property, extending an existing home or undertaking a commercial project, Building Control plays a key role in helping to ensure that building work complies with relevant regulations.
But what exactly does a Registered Building Control Approver do, and how can they support your project?
What is a Registered Building Control Approver?
A Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) is an organisation registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and authorised to provide private-sector Building Control services in England.
Registered Building Control Approvers work alongside clients, architects, developers, contractors and other construction professionals to assess building work against the relevant Building Regulations.
Their role is to provide an independent regulatory service, helping to establish whether proposed and completed building work meets the applicable requirements.
What does a Registered Building Control Approver do?
A Registered Building Control Approver can support a project at various stages, from the initial design through to completion.
Their responsibilities can include:
Reviewing building plans - Before construction begins, plans and supporting information are assessed against the relevant Building Regulations. This helps identify potential compliance issues and areas that may require further information or consideration.
Carrying out site inspections - During construction, inspections are undertaken at appropriate stages to assess whether the work being carried out complies with the relevant requirements. The timing and nature of inspections will depend on the project and the work involved.
Providing regulatory guidance - Building Control professionals can help clients and their project teams understand the regulatory requirements relevant to their proposed works. Early engagement can help identify potential issues before they become more difficult or costly to address.
Assessing compliance - As the project progresses, the Building Control Approver considers the available plans, inspection findings and supporting evidence to assess compliance with the applicable Building Regulations.
Issuing a Final Certificate - Where the relevant requirements have been satisfied, the Registered Building Control Approver can issue a Final Certificate to confirm that the building work has been assessed and completed in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
When might you need a Registered Building Control Approver?
Many types of construction and building work may require Building Regulations approval. The exact requirements will depend on the nature, scale and location of the project.
Examples include:
New-build residential developments.
Domestic extensions and alterations.
Commercial property developments.
Change of use and property conversions.
Structural alterations and associated building work.
Refurbishments involving regulated building work.
Not every project follows the same approval route, so it's important to establish the correct requirements before work begins.
What is the difference between a Registered Building Control Approver and Local Authority Building Control?
Building Control services in England can be provided through either Local Authority Building Control or a Registered Building Control Approver, subject to the applicable regulatory requirements.
Both operate within the Building Regulations framework, but they are different routes for obtaining Building Control services.
A Registered Building Control Approver is a private-sector organisation registered with the Building Safety Regulator, whereas Local Authority Building Control is provided by the relevant local council.
For clients and project teams, choosing the appropriate route will depend on the project, its requirements and the services available.
Why is early engagement with Building Control important?
Involving Building Control early in the planning process can help identify potential compliance considerations before construction starts.
It provides an opportunity for the project team to understand the relevant regulatory requirements, consider the information needed and address potential issues during the design stage.
This can help support a more coordinated approach between clients, designers, contractors and Building Control professionals throughout the project.
How can Delta Building Control help?
At Delta Building Control, we provide Building Control services across Yorkshire, supporting residential and commercial projects with a knowledgeable, straightforward and dependable approach.
As a Registered Building Control Approver, our team works with clients and construction professionals to assess building work against the relevant Building Regulations, from initial plan assessments through to site inspections and completion.
We understand that every project is different, and we aim to make the Building Control process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Whether you're planning a new development, undertaking an extension or managing a commercial refurbishment, our team is here to help.
Planning a project?
Get in touch with Delta Building Control to discuss your requirements and find out how we can support your project.
