Inspections

All requests for inspections must be notified to the Building Control service in a timely manner. This can be done by calling: 028 9127 8015 or emailing: buildingcontrol@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk in good time, before the inspection is required.

Building Control had to adapt our inspection regime due Covid – 19 restrictions. A more customer focused service has emerged. Now that there are no longer any mandatory restrictions to inspections, we will endeavour to carry out physical site inspections where this is appropriate. 

If our surveyors suspect that they have an illness that could put others at risk, they will make alternative arrangements. If there is anyone onsite who is vulnerable, or ill with a contagious ailment, please advise our staff at the time of requesting an inspection to allow us to assess how best to proceed.    

Building Notice applications can be made using the online application process available on this website. All Building Control application can be made by post.  

Notification 

Building regulations require the builder to give the council prior notice of various stages of work as noted below. To give notice, please telephone: 0289 127 8015 or  email: buildingcontrol@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk 

Stage of work Minimum notice
Commencement two days
Foundation (excavation) two days
Foundation (concrete) two days
Materials or concrete or dpc laid over site two days
Before covering drains or sewers two days
After covering drains or sewers five days
Before covering any above-ground structural elements two days
Before covering any sound insulation measures two days
After completion five days
Before occupation five days

The Building Regulations lay down the minimum notice periods. In the calculation of a period of notice "day" means any period of 24 hours commencing at midnight on the day which the notice is given and excludes any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. 


Inspections 

The Council will generally respond to an inspection request on the same day, provided the request is made before 10.30am by telephone, or the previous working day for email requests. 

In addition to responding to statutory notices, the Council will normally inspect other aspects of the construction such as walls, floors, roofs, or stairs. These inspections are normally arranged by agreement with the builder. 

Building Control officers will provide advice on any building regulation matter. Giving timely notices, working to approved plans, and keeping in contact, with your dedicated Building Control surveyor should help you avoid any difficulties associated with contraventions.  

Booking an inspection 

If you require any assistance / to book an inspection, please contact us:  

Telephone: 028 9127 8015 
Email: buildingcontrol@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk