Building Control Inspections in Northern Ireland (NI)
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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.
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Optional Additional Inspections:
- You can request additional inspections for work you’re unsure about.
- Officers will try to accommodate these requests.
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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.
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Costs:
- The only cost is the statutory application fees.
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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)
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No Independent Inspection System:
- There is no independent system to check compliance with building regulations, despite regulatory changes.
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Rare Inspections:
- Local authority building control officers do not typically inspect self-build sites unless they choose to do a rare spot inspection.
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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
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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.
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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
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Department of Housing Templates:
- Professionals overseeing your project may use templates for Assigned Certifiers.
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Structural Warranty:
- If you have a structural warranty, the provider will issue an inspection schedule.