Building control

Overview

What is building control?

Building control surveyors ensure that the design and construction of buildings comply with building regulations and other legislation. Building control surveyors work on new and altered buildings, focusing on areas including fire safety, energy conservation, structural stability and disabled access.

Skills

What’s required for the role?

Good communication skills
Diplomacy, negotiation and the ability to remain impartial
Ability to work well with technical standards and subjects
The ability to drive and work flexibly may be required in some roles

The details

Learn more about the role

What's the role like in practice?

Building control surveyors may work for a local authority or in the private sector. You will usually work as part of a team and whilst usual office hours apply, you may need to work flexibly to provide a 24-hour emergency call out service.

The job can be an active one, visiting and inspecting building sites while construction is in progress, testing works, writing reports and issuing appropriate certification.

What's the work environment like?

Split between office and site work, often with frequent regional travel.

What qualifications are required?

An RICS accredited degree is often required, and opportunities to work and study towards a degree may be available.

Is it for you?

Other useful skills to have:

Using verbal and written communication skills to explain technical matters and write reports
Using science, technology and design to understand the links between construction methods and materials on safety
People management and leadership
Researching and explaining data in specialist areas

Sustainability

How are building control surveyors responding to the need for sustainability?

Building control surveyors have the potential to play an important role in supporting sustainability in construction. They have the responsibility for ensuring that building regulations are correctly implemented, and that environmental features such as solar panels and insulation conform to required standards and are fitted correctly. They promote sustainable development and influence elements of the build that protect and enhance the environment.

In addition, building control surveyors are recognised as valued and influential members of the project team with the potential to promote sustainable construction methods and materials.