Building control compliance hub
Building Control Compliance for UK Builders
What building control inspectors actually check before, during, and after your project — written for builders and sole traders, not health & safety consultants. Covers RAMS format expectations, submission timing, rejection reasons, and the fixes that clear the next inspection fast.
Short answer: building control wants a Full Plans or Building Notice submission up front, site-specific RAMS for high-risk works, a CPP if CDM notifiable, and competent-person sign-off. Most rejections are generic template RAMS with no site-specific hazards. Fix that first.
In-depth guides
Two working guides — one for new builds and extensions, one for fixing RAMS that came back marked up.
Building Control for Extensions: What Inspectors Want to See
A practical walk-through for domestic extensions — Full Plans vs Building Notice, the five stage inspections, what the inspector actually opens first, and the paperwork you need ready on site.
Read the HowTo guide →RAMS Rejected by Building Control: How to Fix It
The six most common reasons UK building control rejects RAMS and the fixes that get signed off in one re-submission. Covers generic template language, missing F10 cross-references, competent-person sign-off, and PPE-first control measures.
Read the troubleshooting guide →Related BuildHer tools
Every document inspectors ask for — generated from your real project details, not generic templates.
RAMS Generator
Site-specific risk assessments and method statements in minutes. Covers hierarchy of controls, F10 cross-references, and competent-person sign-off — the exact fields building control inspectors open first.
Try the RAMS Generator →CPP Builder
Construction Phase Plans for principal contractors on notifiable projects. Management structure, site rules, welfare arrangements, emergency procedures — everything CDM 2015 demands for F10 projects.
Try the CPP Builder →Compare building-control-ready tools
If you are choosing RAMS software with building control submission in mind, see how the main options stack up on site-specificity, sign-off workflow, and price.
Frequently asked questions
Building control compliance FAQ
Why did building control reject my RAMS?
Most building control rejections of RAMS come down to five repeat faults: generic template language with no site-specific hazards, missing named responsibilities, no competent-person sign-off, missing F10 cross-reference, and PPE listed as the primary control instead of elimination or engineering controls. Fix those five and you will clear the typical rejection letter in a single revision.
What does building control need before I start work?
Building control typically wants a Full Plans or Building Notice submission, structural calculations where relevant, site-specific RAMS for high-risk works (excavations, scaffolding, structural alterations), a Construction Phase Plan if the project is notifiable under CDM 2015, and proof of competent-person sign-off. On domestic work the contractor takes on the principal contractor duties automatically.
When do I submit documents to building control?
Submit the Full Plans application (or Building Notice for low-risk domestic work) before work starts. Give the local authority 48 hours written notice before commencing. RAMS and the CPP should be ready at pre-start — the inspector can ask for them on any site visit. Stage inspections (foundations, DPC, drains, pre-plaster, completion) require 24-48 hours notice each.
Is building control approval the same as CDM compliance?
No. Building control enforces the Building Regulations (structural adequacy, fire safety, Part L energy, accessibility). CDM 2015 is HSE territory and governs health and safety through design, construction, and handover. Both apply to most projects. Your RAMS and CPP satisfy CDM; your Full Plans submission and stage inspections satisfy building control.
How long does building control review take?
Full Plans applications get a formal decision within 5 weeks (extendable to 8 weeks by agreement). Building Notice is faster but riskier — no pre-approval, everything is caught at site inspection. Private Approved Inspectors typically issue the Initial Notice within 5 working days. RAMS flagged during an inspection usually need re-submission within 7-14 days before the next stage can sign off.
Get building control compliance tips straight to your inbox
No spam. Just the free resource. Unsubscribe any time.
Stop reading about compliance. Start your pack.
The Site Book generates building-control-ready RAMS, CPPs, site inductions, and emergency plans from your real project details. Your first project is on us — no credit card required.