Booking site inspections

Service disruption

Due to the council’s transition to a new building control application system, not all supporting documents are currently available for public viewing. We are aware of this and working to resolve the issue- we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

How to book site inspections

You can book your site inspection/visit by using the following:

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.

LABC Site Inspection App 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 inspectionsExtensions to dwellingsGarage and loft conversionsNew build houses and flatsStructural alterations
Commencement48hrs prior by email notification48hrs prior by email notification48hrs prior by email notification48hrs prior by email notification
Excavations / foundationsWhen excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposedWhere applicableWhen excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposedWhen excavated or when trial hole dug out – surrounding foundations should be exposed
DrainagePrior to covering overWhere applicablePrior to covering overWhere applicable
OversiteInspected with DPC, DPM and opening of CavitiesWhere applicableInspected with DPM / DPCWhere applicable
DPM/DPCInspected with DPC, DPM and opening of CavitiesWhere applicableInspected with DPM / DPCWhere applicable
Vertical DPC / opening of cavitiesInspected with DPC, DPM and opening of CavitiesWhere applicableWhere applicableWhere applicable
Superstructure, lintels / beamsPrior to covering over and at time of roof structureWhere applicable / Prior to covering overPrior to covering over and at time of roof structurePrior to covering over
Roof / floor structure Prior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to installPrior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to installPrior to covering over, felt and battening may be ok to installWhere applicable
Thermal insulationPrior to covering overPrior to covering overPrior to covering overWhere applicable
Sound insulation Where applicableWhere applicableTesting and inspection required
Fire safety measuresUpon completion inspectionUpon completion inspectionTesting and inspection requiredWhere applicable
Electrical works, unless specifically identified at time of applicationCertification required from contractorCertification required from contractorCertification required from contractorCertification required from contractor
Building services Where applicableWhere applicableCertification required from contractorWhere applicable
Completion All projects prior to occupationAll projects prior to occupationAll projects prior to occupationAll 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.

RBC Building Control Notice of Completion

Last updated on 20/09/2024