BCO visits

[andyandy2]

What stages of construction do building control need to inspect, we have had one visit to inspect footings before concreting and one visit before concreting the floor slab to check insulation
Paperwork from building control then says intermediate inspections as required, we don't want to involve them unneccasarily, but also don't want to have to redo any work, so at what stage should we call them out again (the bricklayer says the will just call if passing and not to bother)

 

[dave1953]

You don't say what your doing exactly,are drains involved etc etc,Your BCO is not the enemy he will advise and help you albeit they all have personal foibles they like to see incorporated,If your not sure don't just go ahead or it may cost you,talk to him, ignorance is not a crime.

 

[noseall]

Bco's do not 'just call in'.

You should have been issued with a card showing the relevant inspection criteria.

One comment they do make when leaving the site is to say "give us a ring when you are up to joists" or whatever, thus reminding the builder of their next inspection.

Usually it is;

Foundation trench.

Oversite.

Drains (foul and storm).

Structural steel and padstones.

Floor joists.

Roof carcass (including relevant venting).

Electrics (if applicable).

Completion. This will include looking at smoke detectors, extractor fans, low energy lighting, trv's, insulation and any thing else that is relevant.

 

[andyandy2]

Sorry should of said what work was involved, single storey rear extension 10x 3 metres and conversion of a single storey outbuilding block to two storey, new sewage treatment plant new drains etc. Steel work already fitted, bco have seen but not commented on steelwork or drains.

Thanks for replies so far,
I'd never heard of bco's just calling in, just something bricklayer said,

No card has been issued just letter stating inspections for footings and floor etc and then it says"intermediate inspections as required"

 

[mikric]

This can be a bit of a pain, usually, builders as noseall says will know what stage to call them in at.
For the last few years or so, we decided to do a job specific inspection list at the plan check stage which is forwarded with the decision, we then at the start of the job make sure the home owner gets a copy to try and avoid confusion.
There is nothing worse than going out to do a completion inspection when things are unseen and covered with the builder being paid up and long gone
.
That said we do have good builders that I have known for years that this is not too much of a problem after all time is money, and it is sometimes not practical for BCOs to see everything but a couple of pics on a phone etc can be acceptable.
Unfortunately it is the owners problem.
If you are in doubt ask, as your brickie is talking rubbish.
By the sounds of it you dont need another visit until the roof structure is in place or you are laying and covering drains.