Building Control Officer

A building control officer ensures that the Building Regulations are adhered to on all new building work from house extensions and loft conversions to major construction projects.
Overall, there are around 4,500 building control surveyors in England and Wales. Local authorities are the main employers

Key duties

Liaising with architects and builders; carrying out regular inspections at each stage of the building process and maintaining records and issuing completion certificates.

A building control officer could also be responsible for surveying dangerous buildings and approving their demolition after fire or severe weather damage has occurred.

You would normally need at least two A levels, a BTEC National Diploma, HNC/HND or a degree to get into this kind of work.

As a building inspector you will normally receive on-the-job training. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may also have day or block release to work towards a relevant qualification. Once working, you can study towards:

  • NVQ in Built Environment Development and Control
  • NVQ in Building Control

Opportunities

Most opportunities within building control, particularly at junior level, tend to be with local authorities. You could contact the building control department of your local council to enquire about recent vacancies. alternatively, many local authorities have their own recruitment sites and it’s worthwhile having a look there first.

Your career advancement will often be linked to your qualifications and experience. As you progress, you may have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of building control, such as fire safety, or work within other departments, such as town planning.

Earnings

Starting salaries can range from £16,500 upwards at trainee or junior level, rising to between £21,000 and £30,000 for an experienced building control officer.

Useful Links:

  • LABC – The national organisation representing local authority building control departments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Next Step – Information about careers in building control
See Also
Site surveying
Building Surveyor
Building site manger
Site Manager