Building control officer

Building control officers, who are also often referred to as building control surveyors, are the individuals accountable for supervising the work of building surveyors and ensuring that building construction laws are followed to.What are the responsibilities of a building control surveyor or officer? Employers who are typical | Essential credentials and training | Essential abilities

Building control surveyors are also often referred to as building control officers (BCOs), authorized inspectors, and building inspectors. They make certain that all newly constructed structures, as well as renovations, installations, and additions, comply with the statutory requirements for safety, sustainability, and accessibility, respectively.

One of the most important methods in which they accomplish this goal is by checking to see that building surveyors are living up to their obligations of maintaining, modifying, repairing, renovating, and restoring structures. They don't get started on a project unless the local planning authority has granted its approval for applications to construct new buildings or make modifications to existing structures.

It is possible for them to be engaged in anything, from the addition of a conservatory to a single home to the building of a complete retail complex in the middle of a city. They provide guidance to building surveyors, construction workers, and the general public about any difficulties that are associated with the planned work by making use of their expert knowledge and understanding of the existing building regulations.

In the event that certain requirements are not followed, building control authorities reserve the right to eventually exercise their powers of prosecution.

The following are examples of typical responsibilities:

reviewing and offering feedback on designs for brand new construction, changes, or expansions

directing the work of building surveyors and giving them with a management style that is supportive of their efforts

offering guidance on issues concerning construction safety and new building rules

doing routine checks on the building's progress through its different stages of completion

maintaining a record of how each project is moving along

providing authorization to begin construction and granting completion certificates

conducting out inspections and research on potentially hazardous structures

granting permission for demolitions

maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the applicable rules and laws

composing of reports

advise on cost-cutting and time-saving techniques throughout construction while maintaining compliance with all applicable safety rules

communication with municipal authorities, planners, surveyors, and other professionals, in addition to communication with specific interest groups like historical organizations.

In most cases, building control officers work the standard office hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However, they may also be required to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to respond to urgent situations such as unstable structures. Visiting different locations is a common element of the job, and officers are required to perform their duties outdoors in all kinds of weather. This may be a significant portion of the work time.

Employers who typically hire building control surveyors include:

The job of building control surveyors used to be only performed by local authorities, but nowadays it may also be performed by inspectors who have been authorized from the private sector. As a result, the vast majority of building control surveyors are still employed by local authorities. Nevertheless, there are openings both within regulatory and advisory construction bodies, such as the National House Building Council, as well as within private consultancies that offer advice on building control regulations.

Qualifications and relevant training are needed.

There are entry points into the field of building control surveys for both college graduates and high school students.

There are a few apprenticeships available, and the common minimum qualification is GCSEs or standards in English, mathematics, and science. There are a few apprenticeships available. You could also come across the odd entry-level employment that demands A levels, highers, or qualifications that are equal to those.

However, many businesses choose candidates who have a high school diploma or a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field, such as building surveying, structural engineering, civil engineering, or construction management. The prerequisites for enrolling in these degree programs will differ from one educational establishment to the next.

In addition, many employers favor job applicants who are student members of relevant professional bodies, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). In particular, the RICS, CABE, and CIOB are three of the most well-known organizations in this category (CIOB). You should be willing to pursue a professional certification that is relevant while you are working in order to keep your employment (for example, chartership).

Due to the specialized nature of this field, job openings are often advertised on a one-on-one basis rather than via widespread graduate programs. Vacancies are often publicized in one of the following ways: directly by companies via their own websites; through specialized recruiting agencies; on job boards maintained by relevant professional organisations; and, on occasion, on TARGETjobs.

Core competencies required of building control surveyors

An interest in, as well as the capacity to comprehend and interpret, various building codes, construction procedures, laws, and standards

The capability of explaining in simple words matters that are difficult and legal obligations.

The assurance necessary to offer advise and direction

Abilities in communication, both verbal and written.

abilities in forming relationships with others

Skills in analysis as well as problem-solving

IT skills

Negotiation skills

Time management and organizing skills

The capacity to pay attention to particulars while simultaneously keeping the larger picture in mind

Because of the requirement to travel to different locations, a valid driver's license is often essential.