zzPaulzz Posted October 20 Share Posted October 20 Hi. For building regs control my architect has proposed LABC or an approved inspector that costs £700 but can’t explain why I’d pay the extra. Can I have your thoughts on the pros and cons please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbeard Posted October 20 Share Posted October 20 Hello. Are you saying that LABC is more costly, or should first sentence say '...£700 *more*? It is not clear from your post which body's cost 'the extra' is attached to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzPaulzz Posted October 20 Author Share Posted October 20 (edited) 16 minutes ago, Redbeard said: Hello. Are you saying that LABC is more costly, or should first sentence say '...£700 *more*? It is not clear from your post which body's cost 'the extra' is attached to. Ah, sorry! The private inspector is £700 more than LABC. Edited October 20 by zzPaulzz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbeard Posted October 20 Share Posted October 20 I have never used a private BC Co. I (and others on here IIRC) have been satisfied with LABC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilDamo Posted October 20 Share Posted October 20 Speak to your builder and see if they have a preference because after all, it’s them who’s going to be dealing with BC throughout. You want your builders to have a good relationship with the appointment of BC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzPaulzz Posted October 21 Author Share Posted October 21 Thanks all for the feedback. I'm minded to go with LABC but I've heard that recent changes means that LABC inspectors cannot offer advice any more, only pass/fail works against the building regs. And that private inspectors are able to give advice but can't enforce the regs. Any thoughts on that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjc55 Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 7 hours ago, zzPaulzz said: Thanks all for the feedback. I'm minded to go with LABC but I've heard that recent changes means that LABC inspectors cannot offer advice any more, only pass/fail works against the building regs. And that private inspectors are able to give advice but can't enforce the regs. Any thoughts on that? Where did you hear this? Not doubting by the way, just hadn't heard that before. It's 2-3 years since I retired and had to deal with BC so maybe it has changed in the interim period, or maybe it is your LABC that is the issue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzPaulzz Posted October 21 Author Share Posted October 21 @mjc55 It's been a topic discussed a few times on the Self Builders forum on Facebook. Mind you, my LABC told me today that "our Building Control Inspectors will carry out inspections, and if you require any clarification the inspectors can provide advice on your project" so perhaps it is a local authority specific change (thankfully not mine). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilDamo Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 11 hours ago, zzPaulzz said: LABC inspectors cannot offer advice any more That isn’t just limited to the Local Authority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilDamo Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 3 hours ago, mjc55 said: maybe it has changed in the interim period Yes, since the introduction of the BSA in October 2023. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzPaulzz Posted October 21 Author Share Posted October 21 Ah, that’s it. Do you know if the change in practice applies both to public and private inspectors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjc55 Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 2 minutes ago, DevilDamo said: Yes, since the introduction of the BSA in October 2023. BSA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilDamo Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 1 minute ago, mjc55 said: BSA? The Building Safety Act. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell griffiths Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 I’ve never had a problem with labc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 23 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said: I’ve never had a problem with labc I've had awful problems with them. Egos exceeding their knowledge being the cause. I've always prevailed but it wasn't fun. It was worth maybe £50k. 21 hours ago, DevilDamo said: Speak to your builder and see if they have a preference I think mostly people do what they are told, hence they weren't used to, and didn't like, me arguing. Is your builder spending your money or their own if instructed to do anything? I'd say LABC for traditional and simple house extensions, because they are cheaper. Private for anything more complex because they know more / or will discuss. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassanclan Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 There have been situations recently of private inspection firms going bust, then having to revert to LABC anyway. Personally I have used both and happy with either. LABC probably do more jobs so more likely to know your ground conditions etc if that might be an issue 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSB Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 We used private in East Suffolk, brilliant guy who always available to help. Not saying that LABC won't help but as we are novice DIY self builders then we decided to go for all the help we could get and they have really helped. Recently he suggested that we got SE and BCO on site together to discuss the best way of laying the floor as our SE plans were rather over the top and BC said not necessary. So, with that one thing he's saved us 1000's, not sure if LABC would have done the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzPaulzz Posted October 21 Author Share Posted October 21 @LSB, that's very interesting. Also a novice builder in Suffolk I'm PM'd you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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