A day in the life of a building inspector

Jason Lee, Building Control Manager

When most people think of a building inspector, they picture someone arriving on site with a clipboard, checking off items and pointing out issues to be fixed. In reality, the role is far more dynamic and collaborative. For Jason Lee, Building Control Manager at the Milton Keynes office, it is about much more than compliance – it is about supporting clients, guiding teams, and ensuring every project meets the highest standards of safety and quality. 

Here, Jason talks to us about the typical day of a building inspector, including rewarding projects he’s worked on, supporting the wider team, and what makes a good building inspector. 

From Carpenter to Building Control 

Jason’s journey into building control was not a conventional one, adding a personal touch to his story. 

“I started as a carpenter,” he explains. “I saw a job advertised for a trainee building control officer at the local authority and thought it sounded interesting. I didn’t really know what the role involved, but once I started, I realised how varied it was.” 

More than twenty years later, Jason leads a busy regional office, overseeing a wide range of commercial and modular developments. His experience spans everything from small-scale refurbishments to complex, high-value projects, offering a diverse and engaging work environment. 

Balancing projects and priorities 

Jason’s role is a dynamic blend of technical review, project management, and team leadership, ensuring that no two days are the same. 

“It’s definitely a juggling act,” he admits. “At any one time, multiple projects are moving forward.” 

Much of his time is spent reviewing drawings, checking compliance with building regulations, and responding to design queries. “I also field a lot of technical questions from the team and clients,” he adds. “Each day brings new opportunities to problem-solve, but that’s part of what keeps the job interesting.” 

Supporting and developing the team 

Leadership and mentorship play a central role in Jason’s day-to-day work. 

“Everyone in the team is at a different stage in their career,” he says. “I spend a lot of time reviewing reports, supporting surveyors, and helping with technical considerations. We’ve introduced remote inspection tools, which allow me to join site visits virtually. It’s a great way to provide real-time support for the rest of the team.” 

Jason also prioritises team cohesion. “We hold weekly catch-ups to review workloads and progress, and monthly meetings where we discuss company updates, regulation changes, and any issues or opportunities. A key part of what works well here at Harwood is spending time together as a team away from the desk too, whether it’s going for lunch or attending an event together – it’s a good opportunity to strengthen relationships and maintain a positive team culture.” 

A collaborative approach with clients 

Although much of Jason’s work is office-based, he spends significant time on-site or meeting with clients. 

Jason’s proactive involvement in projects, often spending around three days a week on-site or in project meetings, is crucial. It allows for a clear understanding of the design intent and ensures compliance before construction begins. 

That proactive involvement helps avoid misunderstandings and builds trust. “The job isn’t just about enforcement – it’s about collaboration,” Jason says. “We want clients to see us as part of the solution, not an obstacle.” 

Managing complex projects 

One recent highlight for Jason was overseeing compliance on a large data centre development near London

“It was a very complex project,” he recalls. “The scale, fire strategy, and amount of mechanical and electrical work involved, required expertise. Because of the building’s purpose, there were unique considerations – such as bespoke fire stopping solutions and security-controlled escape routes.” 

Overcoming the complexities and contributing to a successful outcome was rewarding. “Seeing it completed was extremely satisfying,” Jason says. “You can look at it knowing you played a key part in ensuring it was built safely and correctly.” 

Leading with communication and care 

Jason believes that maintaining open communication and a supportive environment is essential to success. 

“We work hard to keep the culture at Harwood open and approachable,” he explains. “We’re not a large corporate organisation, so we can make decisions quickly and maintain that sense of community. People appreciate that flexibility and the personal approach we bring to projects.” 

He also manages the unexpected with calm pragmatism: “There’s always something that needs attention,” he says. “But that’s part of leadership: keeping things moving and making sure the team feels supported.” 

The qualities that make a difference 

Asked what makes a good building control professional, Jason emphasises organisation, communication, and composure.

“You need to be technically competent, of course, but you also need to be good with people,” he says. “This job involves constant communication with clients, contractors, designers, and your own team. Being clear, consistent, and calm makes all the difference.” 

He values those who approach the work thoughtfully rather than reactively. “Staying level-headed under pressure helps everyone around you stay focused too,” he notes. 

Overcoming misconceptions

Jason is keen to address a common misconception about the role of building control in a project. 

“People sometimes think building control is about saying no or holding up projects,” he says. “In reality, we’re here to help. Our job is to support clients in achieving compliance and to ensure that buildings are safe. We’re not designers, but we provide vital support to clients, which results in practical solutions.” 

He believes the most successful outcomes happen when building control is involved early in the design phase. “If potential issues can be identified at the start, it saves time, money, and frustration later on,” he explains. “It’s about working with people, not against them.” 

A rewarding profession 

For those considering a career in building control, Jason’s advice is clear. 
“If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and seeing projects through from start to finish, it’s a gratifying profession,” he says. “It can be demanding, but knowing that your work contributes directly to public safety and the quality of the built environment is incredibly satisfying.” 

“It’s not always a straightforward profession, but it’s never boring. And when you see a project completed – knowing you helped get it there safely and compliantly – that’s a great feeling.” 

Get in touch about your next project

At Harwood, we work in partnership with clients to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality buildings across all sectors. Whether you’re planning a new development, refurbishment, or complex commercial project, our experienced team is here to support you through every stage of the process. 

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements or to learn how our building control services can support you.