Book a site inspection
Once your application has been registered and we have received your payment, you'll be able to book your site inspection.
There are three ways to book a site inspection:
- The quickest and easiest way to book an inspection is by downloading the LABC site inspection app available for Apple and Android phones. Select Sussex Building Control from the drop-down list of local authorities when booking.
- Email: building.control@horsham.gov.uk
- Call us Monday to Friday on: 01403 215151 - contact us by 5pm for an inspection the next working day.
If you request an inspection before 10.00am, we'll aim to carry this out on the same day.
It's important that you, your agent or your builder tell us when work on your site reaches each of the statutory stages below so we can inspect. In most cases, you need to give a day's notice. Some inspections (such as occupation and completion inspections) need five days' notice.
Site inspections are the same for full plans applications and building notices. Please be assured that once your application is accepted, we'll provide you with an inspection plan, setting out the number and type of inspections relevant to your project.
Statutory Site inspections
| Stage of work | Notice required | More information |
|---|---|---|
Commencement | 2 days | This can be done by phone, email or in person. It's a good opportunity to discuss the project and check the site is as shown and any conditions associated with the works. |
Foundation excavations before concreting | 1 day | This ensures that the ground is satisfactory. We'll consider the load bearing capacity of the ground, proximity of drain runs and manholes, the depth of any existing foundations and any trees close by. We may visit more than once. |
Oversite before concreting | 1 day | We'll check if you've made good preparations and make sure the damp proof membrane overlaps with the damp proof course - check Radon protection if necessary. |
Before covering the damp proof course | 1 day | We check the course has been laid correctly and that it's the right height. |
Laying drains (before covering drains/sewers) | 1 day | We check all access, cleaning, and rodding points. We advise you test the drains before backfilling. |
Testing drains for water tightness | 1 day | You should use an air or water test for above and below ground drainage (and all fittings). |
Before occupation | 5 days | |
Completion | 5 days | Let us know you have completed your project. It's in your interest as many items can be checked at this stage, such as: fire precautions and requirements, ventilation to rooms and roof voids, waste details, roof coverings and insulation, staircase details and safety glazing. We need to make this inspection to issue your Building Regulations Completion Certificate |
Additional Site Inspection Notification
We also welcome notice of the following stages of work.
Stages of work at which we would appreciate notification
Stage of work | Notice required | More information |
|---|---|---|
Before covering floor joists or structure | 1 day | |
Before covering steel work or reinforcement | 1 day | |
Before covering insulation | 1 day | We check thermal, fire and sound insulation. |
Before covering the roof | 1 day | |
Before covering new electrical work | 1 day | Only needed if the worker was not registered |
Once electrical installation is complete | 2 weeks | Only needed if the worker was not registered |
Once someone registered with an | N/A | We need a competent person to issue a Building |
Starting work and Notice of commencement
Building Control must be notified when you start work on site in order for us to carry out the necessary inspections. (Start of work stage)
There is now an additional stage where Building Control must be notified.
For complex buildings - Foundations are constructed, and the structure of the lowest floor level is complete
For new buildings and horizontal extensions - Sub surface of the building or the extension including all foundations and the structure of the ground floor level is completed.
For all other works - Constructed 15% of the overall work.
Completion certificate
The certificate can only be issued on satisfactory completion once:
- all the relevant inspections have been carried out, any remedial works completed and where necessary re-inspected and accepted as satisfactory
- any additional inspections requested by your surveyor during the period of construction are satisfactory
- approval has been issued on a full plans application
A completion certificate is your proof that building work has been inspected by building control and is safe. You need to keep it in a safe place as you’ll need it if you ever sell or remortgage your home.
Guidance - helpful pointers
Site inspections are explained on the LABC Frontdoor website