Who Handles Building Control – Me or My Builder?
- Emma Hannay
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
When planning a home extension or renovation, most homeowners quickly encounter the term “Building Control”—and with it, the question:
“Is this something I need to organise, or will my builder take care of it?”
Understanding who does what can save you time, confusion, and potential delays. Here’s how Building Control works and how Rogate Construction ensures your project meets every required standard.
What Is Building Control?
Building Control ensures that all construction work complies with Building Regulations, which cover safety, structure, fire protection, energy efficiency, ventilation and accessibility.
Inspectors—either from the local authority (e.g. East Hampshire District Council, Chichester District Council, Waverley Borough Council) or an approved private provider—check your plans and carry out site inspections during construction.
Their role is not to judge the design, but to make sure that the build itself meets national standards.
Who Is Officially Responsible?
Legally, the homeowner (or property owner) is responsible for ensuring Building Regulations are met.
That means the application to Building Control and the final completion certificate are ultimately in your name.
However, in practice, most reputable builders—like Rogate Construction—handle Building Control on your behalf as part of the project. We liaise directly with inspectors, schedule site visits, and ensure that all works pass inspection.
So, while the responsibility sits with you on paper, the process is managed by your builder day-to-day.
How It Works Step by Step
Before Work Starts – Either you or your builder submits a Building Notice or Full Plans application.
During the Build – Inspectors visit the site at key stages: foundations, drainage, structure, insulation, electrics, etc.
After Completion – Once everything complies, Building Control issues a Completion Certificate—a vital document for resale and warranties.
At Rogate, we keep clients informed at every stage and coordinate directly with inspectors to ensure inspections happen promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Local Building Control in Hampshire, West Sussex & Surrey
In our region, Building Control is managed by several local authorities, including:
East Hampshire Building Control
Chichester District Council Building Control
Guildford & Waverley Building Control
We also work with independent Approved Inspectors, who can sometimes offer faster turnaround times. Because we have long-standing relationships with these teams, our projects often move through the approval and inspection process more efficiently.
Why It Matters
Skipping Building Control or delaying inspections can lead to:
Problems selling your home later (no completion certificate).
Potential enforcement action.
Unsafe or non-compliant construction.
By allowing your builder to manage this process, you gain peace of mind that every element—from structure to insulation—meets the correct legal standard.
How Rogate Construction Manages Building Control
Our approach is straightforward:
We liaise directly with local Building Control officers from start to finish.
We book inspections and ensure all works are ready for sign-off.
We supply all necessary certificates (Gas Safe, NIC EIC, structural engineer reports, warranties).
We collate the final Completion Certificate for your records.
This means our clients can relax knowing the technical and legal aspects are fully handled.
Key Take-aways
Homeowners are legally responsible for Building Control, but your builder usually manages it.
Building Control ensures safety, energy efficiency and compliance—not design.
Rogate Construction has strong working relationships with local Building Control teams, streamlining the approval and inspection process.
Always keep your Completion Certificate—it’s essential for selling or remortgaging your home.
Considering an extension or renovation?
Rogate Construction Limited offers a complete service across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey—from design and planning through to construction and Building Control management. Contact us today to discuss your project with a friendly, experienced team.
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