Snap site inspections to improve quality

LABC – the independent organisation representing more than 3000 building surveyors working for local councils – has welcomed changes which should lead to higher quality building work and clamp down on rogue builders.

Previous rules had meant that building sites could only be inspected at set stages of building projects.  But, from 6 April 2013 changes mean local councils can inspect, with notice, building sites at any stage of the building process. This will help to make sure buildings are built to safe, sustainable, and fire-resistant standards.

These new ‘Inspection Service Plans’ should mean that site inspections are carried out before work is too far advanced to check properly and should reduce the need for building control surveyors to issue formal compliance notices – delaying construction projects and costing developers and homeowners money.

Welcoming the changes LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall said “It is important to know that when energy efficiency or vital fire safety measures are being installed they are up to scratch. The new system gives local authorities the flexibility to ask for inspections at the right time. It is another success for LABC as we have worked closely with DCLG on the new arrangements.”

Adam Heeley, Building Control Manager at Aylesbury Vale District Council and member of LABC said “The new Inspection Service Plan will target site inspections to where they are actually needed whereas the previous process used a fixed regime which meant some of the inspections were not appropriate or needed.”