From Concept to Handover: The Role of Building Control

With the construction industry continuing to evolve and regulatory expectations becoming more robust, understanding the role of building control is more important than ever. Clear roles, early engagement, and open communication can make a significant difference to how smoothly a project progresses.

We spoke with Scott Smith, Building Control Manager at Harwood Building Control, to explore what clients can expect at each stage of a project – and how Harwood supports teams from early concept through to final certification.

Understanding the Role of Building Control

Why is it so important that clients understand the role of building control from the outset?

There can sometimes be a misconception that building control forms part of the design team. While we work closely alongside designers, contractors, and clients, our role is independent. We act as auditors and checkers – reviewing designs and inspecting work on site to assess compliance with the Building Regulations.

We don’t design or provide design solutions, but by understanding this distinction from the outset, clients can ensure responsibilities are clearly defined and expectations are aligned across the project team.

From your perspective, what has changed most for clients in recent years?

There is certainly more scrutiny and accountability than there used to be, alongside a stronger emphasis on duty holders fully understanding their responsibilities. The requirement for clients to “plan, manage and monitor” throughout the lifecycle of a project is now firmly embedded in legislation, and it has set a clearer framework for how projects should be delivered.

Pre-Application

At what stage should a client first engage Harwood?

As early as possible. Ideally, this would be around RIBA Stage 2 or 3. The initial step is usually a request for a fee quotation. Once this is accepted, we serve the Initial Notice and, as the design develops, begin receiving information for review.

Early engagement helps establish a clear process and allows the wider project team to plan effectively for compliance from the outset.

Do clients need to have a complete design before they approach you?

Not immediately, but when they formally submit for building control approval, they should be presenting a comprehensive design package that they believe complies with Building Regulations. If something doesn’t comply, we will identify the non-compliance and reference the regulations it needs to address. However, it remains the Principal Designer’s responsibility to make the design right. We provide the regulatory direction – not the design solution.

Can Harwood provide “pre-application advice”?

It’s important to be clear about our role. As independent auditors, we don’t provide design advice. Clients should approach us with a well-considered design proposal, and our involvement focuses on assessment and compliance – not influencing design decisions.

Plan Review

What needs to be in place before you can meaningfully review a project?

Ideally, we would receive a complete design package that addresses all relevant Approved Documents. We recognise that this isn’t always achievable at the outset, but at a minimum, submissions should clearly demonstrate how compliance will be achieved – even where some technical evidence is to follow.

The key is showing intent, understanding, and a structured approach to meeting the regulations.

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance – you (Building Control) or the Principal Designer?

The Principal Designer is responsible for submitting a design they believe is compliant. Building control then checks that submission against the regulations. So yes, we review and audit, but compliance responsibility starts with the design team.

How collaborative is this stage?

Very collaborative. We issue a Plan Check identifying any areas of non-compliance, missing information, or points requiring clarification. The design team then responds with revised drawings, specifications, or supporting certification. This process continues until all matters are resolved.

It’s a structured and documented exchange, designed to support clarity and compliance throughout.

Site Inspections

When do clients need to involve you on-site?

In an ideal scenario, all plan check matters would be resolved before work starts on site, although we appreciate that projects don’t always follow a perfect timeline. We advise on when inspections are required, and it is the Principal Contractor’s responsibility to notify us at key stages such as foundations, drainage, oversite, and fire stopping.

Under operational standards, inspections typically take place at least every four weeks, depending on the pace and complexity of the work.

How do you report findings?

There are two key elements. First, all plan check items must be fully addressed and closed out. Second, all required commissioning information and compliance certification must be submitted and verified.

• A plan check compliance report is issued.
• Site inspection reports are issued within 5 working days of the inspection.

Once these requirements are satisfied and compliance is confirmed, we issue the Final Certificate.

Bringing Assurance to Every Project

Finally, what’s your key piece of advice for clients?

Our role is to provide independent assurance, clarity, and confidence throughout the lifecycle of a project. When clients engage early, understand their responsibilities, and maintain open communication, the journey from concept to handover becomes significantly smoother.

At Harwood, we pride ourselves on being transparent, consistent, and technically robust in everything we do. We don’t design – but we safeguard compliance. We don’t take over responsibility – but we help clients meet it. And we do so in a clear, structured, and collaborative way that supports the entire project team.

By planning, managing, and monitoring effectively – and partnering with the right building control provider – clients give their projects the best possible chance of achieving full compliance and a successful completion.

If you’ve got a project you’d like our support on, please get in touch with our team.