Site inspections

When are inspections required?

Your builder should notify the Council at the start of work and on completion of certain stages of work. Commencement should be in writing and other inspections can be requested by telephone on 01992 785525.  It is important that this responsibility is observed by the developer/builder in order that proper supervision can be undertaken. It may be difficult to sell a property if these procedures are not followed. Whether you have chosen to make either a Full Plans or Building Notice application, work may commence 48 hours after the application has been accepted.

The Council must be notified to inspect the works within the statutory time frame detailed below:

•  Commencement - two days prior to commencement
•  Excavation for foundations - one day prior to inspection
•  Concrete foundations - one day prior to inspection
•  Oversite hardcore and membrane - one day prior to inspection
•  Damp-proof course laid - one day prior to inspection
•  Drains before covering - one day prior to inspection
•  Drains back-filled and on test - one day prior to inspection
•  Structural beams and bearings - one day prior to inspection
•  Floor and roof construction - one day prior to inspection
•  Occupation of the building - five days prior to occupation
•  Final completion and drain test within five days of completion

Site inspections are usually scheduled between 10.30am and 3.30pm or at other times by prior agreement with your surveyor. We endeavour to inspect on the same day if requests are received by the Council before 10.00am.

Prior to commencing any building work, you may have health and safety responsibilities to consider under Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).