When it comes to complying with building regulations, you have two options on who can approved your technical drawings - your local building control or an approved inspector.
But what exactly is the difference between these two professionals? Which is best for your home? Here’s everything you’ll need to know.
What are building regulations?
First things first, let's discuss building regulations. These are, after all, the reason why you’ll be encountering the two professionals.
Building regulations are a set of statutory requirements that all buildings must meet in order to create a safe and healthy environment to inhabit. They cover everything from the structure, thermal performance, sound proofing, drainage, all the way to fire safety - to name just a few!
To ensure your project is in line with UK building regulations, you must commission a set of technical drawings of your proposed build, demonstrating all legal requirements have been met. These drawings can be prepared by an architect, but will also need input from other specialist professionals, such as a structural engineer, party wall surveyor, and CCTV drainage surveyor.
Once your drawings have been packaged up, ready for approval, you will submit them to either an approved inspector or your local building control, who will then give your project the go ahead.