When starting a construction project, understanding the roles of Building Control and a Building Warranty is crucial. While they may seem similar – both involve surveyors, inspections and reports – they serve very different purposes.
Building Control. Ensuring regulatory compliance.
Building Control is the process of monitoring a construction project to make sure it meets minimum health, safety and building regulation standards.
It’s important you have building control in place before you start any works on site. This is because it is a legal requirement and there will be physical inspections performed by a building control surveyor throughout the build. The surveys focus on minimum building regulation requirements as well as health & safety, fire protection, energy efficiency and accessibility.
Building Warranty. Protecting against structural defects.
A Building Warranty is an insurance product. It’s also known as Structural Defects Warranty, “NHBC style” insurance, Latent Defects Insurance, etc.
It is an insurance policy that protects the newly built or newly converted property against inherent structural defects for the first 10/12 years after practical completion. Warranty providers will appoint a surveyor, who will act on their behalf to inspect throughout construction and who will also check that the build meets building regulations. They will focus on the structural soundness of the building and will be looking to identify anything that could lead to defect in the future.
Key inspection stages.
Actual inspections can vary depending on the project, but key inspection stages include:
- Foundations, before concrete is poured
- Ground floor slab
- Damp proof course
- Floor/joist construction and wall plate
- Roof structure
- First fix, pre-plaster
- Completion
Top tips for a smooth process.
- It is your responsibility to call out inspectors: Communicate with your appointed surveyor(s) and make sure you understand what key stages they want to see. Missed inspections can lead to increased insurance premiums or fines from local authorities.
- Maintain a good working relationship with surveyors: The surveyors are there to inspect the work but they are also there to help and guide you and your contractor so working with them rather than against them should lead to easier sign off.
- Building Control and Warranty surveys happen separately: While sometimes inspections can be combined, in most cases they are separate and so there will be separate surveyors to liaise with.
- Act on reports: After inspections, surveyors are likely to issue a report highlighting areas requiring attention. Promptly reviewing and addressing these can help prevent delays and ensure a smooth sign off.
- Take photos throughout the build: Document by taking plenty of photos throughout the build as these can be invaluable if ever anything is missed, and issues arise later.
Both Building Control and a Building Warranty play a vital role in your development project. Whilst the process can feel very similar, they serve very different purposes. Understanding this distinction can help avoid delays, ensure compliance, and safeguard your investment long-term.
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Navigating insurances and services for your project can be complex and confusing. If you want to ensure your development is properly protected, or if you’re planning a project and just have questions, feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to help.
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