Site inspections
We're changing the closing time for booking site inspections. From 28 May 2024 you will need to book your site inspection by 4:00pm on a working day before the inspection is required.
We inspect building work to make sure it meets building regulations requirements (opens new window). We may also carry out routine site inspections without notifying you first. Our inspections should not be used instead of either:
- full supervision
- workmanship/quality checks
You'll need to arrange these yourself.
You, your agent, or your builder must tell us when work on your site reaches each of the stages below. Various notices are also required to be submitted and these are shown on Notify Us- Guildford Borough Council.
Site inspections are the same for full plans applications and building notices.
Site inspection notification
If your project involves any of the stages below, you must notify us so we can inspect the site. In most cases, you need to give a day's notice. Some inspections (such as commencement, occupation and completion inspections) need five days' notice.
Inspection requests must be received before 4.00pm (on a working day) before the inspection is required to enable us to inspect on the next working day. We are unable to provide timed appointments. You must have someone to meet our inspector at the site.
Our site inspections take place Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
How to book an inspection
To book your visit, you can either:
- download the free LABC Inspection request App (opens new window) and to book online, select Guildford Borough Council from the dropdown list of local authorities
- email us bcsiteinspections@guildford.gov.uk providing details of the inspection required, full postal details of the development and your contact details
- call us on 01483 444000 (Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 16:00, Friday 08:30 - 15:30)
It's the property owner/duty holder's responsibility to ensure we're contacted when each stage of a building project is ready for inspection, and a final inspection must be booked within 5 days of completion of work. This enables us to record evidence of all work that has taken place, and to issue our Completion Certificate at the end of the project subject to receipt of any Competent Person Scheme (opens new window) notifications.
We operate a zero tolerance policy to disrespectful behaviour on site visits.
Site inspections and Notification process
| Stage of work | Notice required | More information |
|---|---|---|
Notify us of the start of work | 2 days | Please complete and return the form which can be accessed at Notify Us- Guildford Borough Council |
Excavation of foundations | 1 day | We may visit more than once. |
Notify us of commencement of work | within 5 days of commencement | The construction work is considered started if the foundations have been poured with concrete. If the project does not involve foundations, the work is considered started once 15% of the overall work has been completed. This detail is part of your application form. |
Before covering oversite | 1 day | We will check if you've made good |
Before covering the damp proof course | 1 day | We check the course has been laid correctly |
Laying drains (before covering drains/sewers) | 1 day | We check all access, cleaning, and rodding |
Superstructure (steelwork/roof/floor structures) | 1 day | We check new structural installations against the structural design submitted. This may require various inspections |
Insulation (Walls/roof/floor) | 1 day | We check the external envelope for compliance with the building regulations |
Fire protection | 1 day | Fire protection to steelwork and other structural load bearing elements as required |
| Testing drains for water tightness | 1 day | You should use an air or water test for above and below ground drainage (and all fittings). Do the test after they've been covered |
| Occupation (usually only required where part of the building is finished for example a flat) | 5 days | |
| Notify us of Occupation of part of a building where the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 applies or will apply to the building after the works | 5 days | Please complete and return the form which can be accessed at Notify Us- Guildford Borough Council |
| Notify us of Completion | within 5 days of completion | Please complete and return the form which can be accessed at Notify Us- Guildford Borough Council |
| Completion | 5 days |