Booking site inspections
How to Book Site Inspections
You can book your site inspection/visit by using the following:
- inspection text number 07480 357 065
- emailing buildingcontrolsiteinspections@reading.gov.uk
- using the LABC inspection app https://www.labc.co.uk/book-site-inspection
- calling 0118 937 2449 between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday
Please ensure that you give the site address, type of site inspection, date required, your name and contact details. You must contact us by 3pm the day before, to book an inspection for the next day. Please note no inspections are carried out at weekends or bank holidays.
Inspections can be booked by you or your contractor.
The LABC inspection app can also be found by scanning the below QR code.
Inspection Stages
When inspections are required will be based on the type of works undertaken. The table below provides the minimum inspections for the most common works; however, the Registered Building Inspector may request additional visits depending on the specific works.
| Stages of project / Typical inspections | Extensions to dwellings | Garage and loft conversions | New build houses and flats | Structural alterations |
| Commencement | 48hrs prior by email notification | 48hrs prior by email notification | 48hrs prior by email notification | 48hrs prior by email notification |
| Excavations / foundations | When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed | Where applicable | When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed | When excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed |
| Drainage | Prior to covering over | Where applicable | Prior to covering over | Where applicable |
| Oversite | Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities | Where applicable | Inspected with DPM / DPC | Where applicable |
| DPM/DPC | Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities | Where applicable | Inspected with DPM / DPC | Where applicable |
| Vertical DPC / opening of cavities | Inspected with DPC, DPM and opening of Cavities | Where applicable | Where applicable | Where applicable |
| Superstructure, lintels / beams | Prior to covering over and at time of roof structure | Where applicable / Prior to covering over | Prior to covering over and at time of roof structure | Prior to covering over |
| Roof / floor structure | Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install | Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install | Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to install | Where applicable |
| Thermal insulation | Prior to covering over | Prior to covering over | Prior to covering over | Where applicable |
| Sound insulation | Where applicable | Where applicable | Testing and inspection required | |
| Fire safety measures | Upon completion inspection | Upon completion inspection | Testing and inspection required | Where applicable |
| Electrical works, unless specifically identified at time of application | Certification required from contractor | Certification required from contractor | Certification required from contractor | Certification required from contractor |
| Building services | Where applicable | Where applicable | Certification required from contractor | Where applicable |
| Completion | All projects prior to occupation | All projects prior to occupation | All projects prior to occupation | All projects prior to occupation |
Failure to request an inspection for a required stage may result in works needing to be exposed for inspection at a later date.
Start and Commencement
Works can start within 48 hours of the application being submitted; however, we do need to be notified of the proposed start date. Similarly, we need to be notified when the project is considered commenced, at either Damp Proof Course (DPC) or 15% of the works completed. This needs to be completed in writing via email.
Completion of Works
Once a satisfactory completion inspection has been undertaken and all requested paperwork provided, the completion certificate can be issued. The completion certificate is a legal document which you are required to have if you are selling or re-mortgaging the property. To notify us of completed works, please complete the Completion Notification form below and send it to building.control@reading.gov.uk.
Last updated on 09/05/2024
Booking site inspections