Building Control: What BCMS Means for You

It does this by providing for statutory certificates of design and construction, the lodgement of compliance documentation with the local building control authority, inspections during construction, and the validation and registration of certificates.

Before work starts

A revised form of commencement notice must be submitted to the local authority before works commence. The notice must be accompanied by various documents, including drawings, where the building is greater than 40 square metres or requires a fire safety certificate. The preferred method of filing is electronic; if documents are submitted on paper, the building control authority has to upload them and a fee is incurred.

On completion

A completion certificate must be sent to the local building control authority, which maintains a statutory register of Certificates of Compliance on Completion. The certificate must be signed by the builder and the assigned certifier, and be accompanied by plans and documentation showing how the completed building complies with the Building Regulations.