Quality control: Inspection schedule

Building Control Inspections in Northern Ireland (NI)

• Mandatory Inspections:

  • Local authority arranges a set number of mandatory inspections.
  • You must notify the building control officer when they need to visit the site.

• Optional Additional Inspections:

  • You can request additional inspections for work you’re unsure about.
  • Officers will try to accommodate these requests.

• Role of Building Control Officers:

  • Their responsibility is limited to ensuring compliance with building regulations.
  • They may be more familiar with standard methods and materials; consult a professional architectural designer if using unconventional techniques.

• Costs:

  • The only cost is the statutory application fees.

• Scope of Inspections:

  • Inspections cover works related to the consent to discharge domestic effluent.
  • They do not check for compliance with planning approval conditions.

Building Control Inspections in Republic of Ireland (ROI)

• No Independent Inspection System:

  • There is no independent system to check compliance with building regulations, despite regulatory changes.

• Rare Inspections:

  • Local authority building control officers do not typically inspect self-build sites unless they choose to do a rare spot inspection.

• Risk-Based Inspections:

  • Building control officers assess which projects should undergo risk-based inspections, typically covering 12 to 15% of valid building units.

Self-Certification Routes in ROI

• Opt-In Route:

  • You must hire an Assigned Certifier.
  • Certifier will upload labor and material certificates to the Building Control Management System.
  • The cost is typically over €10,000 due to administrative fees.
  • The certifier arranges an inspection schedule.

• Opt-Out Route:

  • You still need a qualified professional (not your builder) to oversee key build stages.
  • This person will certify the build at the end, providing a certificate of completion for conveyancing purposes.
  • The cost for overseeing the build is around €4,000, which includes construction drawings and certification.

Additional Considerations

• Department of Housing Templates:

  • Professionals overseeing your project may use templates for Assigned Certifiers.

• Structural Warranty:

  • If you have a structural warranty, the provider will issue an inspection schedule.