Overview

What is a Building Control Surveyor?

Building Control Surveyors are built environment professionals that ensure the design and construction of buildings comply with building regulations and other legislation. These surveyors work on new and altered buildings, focusing on areas including fire safety, energy conservation, structural stability and accessibility.

People who work in this role may be referred to by other titles, including Building Inspector, Building Control Inspector, Building Control Compliance Inspector and Building Control Officer.

What is building control? >

How much do Building Control Surveyors earn?

The average salary of a Building Control Surveyor is between: £38,000 – £71,000

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Skills

What’s required for the role?

  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Persuasive skills
  • The ability to negotiate with others
  • Diplomacy, impartiality and comfort handling difficult situations
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety regulations and law
  • An understanding of building accessibility
  • Knowledge of construction technology
  • Digital literacy
  • Time management
  • Teamwork skills
  • Sustainability expertise
  • Presentation skills
  • An eye for detail
  • A driving licence

Details

What does a Building Control Surveyor do?

A Building Control Surveyor will have a wide range of responsibilities in their role, including:

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Conduct regular site inspections against health, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility and sustainability standards

Point 2

Evaluating plans, drawings and specifications to ensure they meet regulations and legal criteria

Point 3

Attending emergency calls to inspect buildings damaged by fire or weather

Point 4

Inspecting unsafe buildings, assessing their condition by taking samples, and taking responsibility for deciding whether they should be refurbished or demolished

Point 5

Consulting clients, employers and construction professionals on building safety regulations

Point 6

Commence legal proceedings in the event of failure to comply with regulation and legislation

Point 7

Maintaining records of project progression, producing reports and issuing completion certificates

Point 8

Keeping up to date with the latest legal requirements and legislative developments in the sector

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What is the work environment like?

As is typical of a career in the construction industry, a Building Control Surveyor should expect to spend their time either in the office or visiting a construction site. Considering their focus on safety and renovation, some sites these surveyors visit may well be dangerous.

Working as a Building Control Surveyor can be physically demanding, and professionals in this area will have to conduct regular inspections on sites at height and regardless of the weather. In some roles, you will also need to be on-call 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Opportunities

Is Building Control a good career?

Building control was thrust into the spotlight as a profession in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Fire of 2017. With the implementation of the Building Safety Act and other new legislation, ensuring the safety of buildings has become among the highest priorities for the built environment. However, like many industries in the sector, it’s critically short of talent, with the average age of a surveyor in this profession being 57.

For aspiring professionals or existing built environment workers looking to change career paths, building control is an opportunity to take on more responsibility and play a significant part in the future of the sector. From safety to sustainability and accessibility, professionals in this area play a crucial role in ensuring our buildings, homes and infrastructure are fit for all.

When it comes to progression, employers within local authorities have sizeable departments devoted to building control, meaning there are likely to be opportunities for promotion. With specific focuses like Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) and fire safety roles, there are various opportunities for specialism in this area. Self-employment and consultant roles are two other potential pathways.

Become a Building Control Surveyor

Who can become a Building Control Surveyor?

If you have an interest in the building control function, there’s nothing stopping you from pursuing a career in this field. At UCEM, students from across the world have undertaken their studies and successfully entered industries like building control in the built environment. Find out more about their experience below:

 

How to get into building control

While a degree with recognition from a professional body isn’t essential for a career in building control, it can put you in a strong position with employers – particularly if it’s accredited by the likes of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Apprenticeships present an alternative to traditional degrees, giving professionals the opportunity to obtain relevant work experience alongside professional qualifications.

Along with obtaining degrees, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can strengthen your employment credentials, such as:

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