Building control – improving public safety
We all work, rest and play in a range of buildings – from our homes, schools, colleges, restaurants, pubs, clubs, leisure centres and hotels.
We all take it for granted the buildings we work, live in or visit are accessible, healthy and safe for us to use, but have you ever wondered whose job it is to make sure that’s case?
Well, the answer is building control. The fundamental role of building control is to help safeguard the health and safety of people in and about buildings by regulating contractors, builders, developers, architects and engineer to ensure the buildings they work on comply with building regulations.
Building control is the key to making all sorts of buildings healthy and safe to use. Building regulations cover a broad range of things including:
- fire safety
- structural safety
- inclusivity
- conservation of fuel and power and climate change
These all apply in varying degrees whether the works involve constructing of a new domestic extension, the conversion or alteration of an existing building or the construction of a sports stadia
Building control surveyors are the construction professionals responsible for analysing proposed technical details and designs and liaising with architects, designers and other specialists involved in the design process to make sure building projects comply with regulations.
Once initial building regulation approval is granted, building control surveyors will inspect the works as it progresses to ensure what is built complies with the regulations
Building control surveyors are responsible for verifying regulatory compliance and safeguarding health and safety standards on anything from a small domestic extension through to major commercial developments. The complexity of the work surveyors are able to undertake will depend on their level of competence.
So, the next time you visit a new, altered or extended building, remember, while architects, designers and builders create these buildings, the building control surveyor is also involved from inception to completion, verifying compliance and making sure it’s safe for people to use.
If you’re interested in buildings and how they are constructed, have good attention to detail and are an effective communicator, a career in building control may be just right for you.
Ready to apply?