FAQs

Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Assent

What is a Registered Building Inspector?

What is a Registered Building Inspector?

Registered Building Inspectors (“RBIs”) are companies or individuals approved by Government to provide Building Control Services in England and Wales.

Assent Building Control Limited provides a cost-effective and client friendly alternative to local authority building control anywhere in England and Wales. We have a large team of qualified and experienced registered building inspectors who will work with the design team from inception to final certification.

What is the difference between a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) and Local Authority Building Control?

What is the difference between a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) and Local Authority Building Control?

Registered Building Control Approvers provides a responsive, efficient and consultative alternative to Local Building Control. An RBCA’s certification has the same legal standing as that from the Local Authority and we are insured under a comprehensive professional indemnity policy.

Where are Assent’s offices?

Where are Assent’s offices?

Assent has offices across England & Wales. This means that you will always have a local Assent registered building inspector, with local knowledge to liaise with. Please locate your nearest office via our office finder.

What is the Building Control process?

What is the Building Control process?

Domestic and Commercial projects follow a slightly different process, as commercial projects are typically more complex and require involvement from an earlier design stage.

Usually, for domestic building control projects we would take the following steps.

  1. Submit your plans/application to Assent
  2. Submit Initial Notice to Local Authority
  3. Plan Check
  4. Site Inspection Schedule
  5. Final Inspection
  6. Issue Final Certificate

We will work with relevant design, architect, contractors and developers in order to schedule site inspections and to ensure that the project build follows building regulation compliance.

We will also liaise with Local Authorities on your behalf, submitting all required documentation.

What are Assent’s fees?

What are Assent’s fees?

Assent offers a cost effective service tailored to the individual project. Provide details of your project by telephone, email or by our online quotation service. We will respond with a fixed price, all-inclusive fee proposal outlining the services you will receive from us.

How do I apply for building control certification from Assent?

How do I apply for building control certification from Assent?

Please contact us by telephone, email or via the quote request form with your project details. As soon as we have all the relevant information we need, you will receive an acknowledgement by email. We will then provide on-going advice and guidance to ensure your project meets the Building Regulations.

What happens if there is a problem with an application?

What happens if there is a problem with an application?

We will support your application submission and discuss the options available to you in order to find a satisfactory resolution. We endeavour to avoid rejecting applications, however, please note that if work has commenced, we will reject the project, as we cannot oversee any works that have already commenced.

When can I start on site?

When can I start on site?

When you instruct Assent, you are appointing us to act on your behalf. As part of the Building Regulations process Assent will notify your local authority of your intended building work on what is called an ‘Initial Notice’. You may start work just as soon as this notice has been accepted by your local authority usually after 5 working days.

What recourse do you have if you are unhappy with a Registered Building Inspector's performance?

What recourse do you have if you are unhappy with a Registered Building Inspector's performance?

Assent Building Control Limited is bound by the codes of conduct of our own professional bodies including RICS, ABE and IFE and that of our regulatory body, the Construction Industry Council (CIC).

In the unusual event that a client is dissatisfied with the building control service they receive they should contact Assent in the first instance. We will do our utmost to resolve any problems with you following our agreed complaints procedure.

Do Assent cover Gas and Electrical work?

Do Assent cover Gas and Electrical work?

Any gas work subject to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and notifiable* electrical work is not controlled by Assent and must be done by installers registered with an appropriate competent person scheme. Ask your approved installer if you are unsure of what is required. You should contact your installer if you have not received a self-certified compliance certificate from the installer within 30 days of completion.

* Notifiable electrical work includes new circuits, new consumer units and most alterations in bathrooms.

Testimonials

The building inspector was extremely polite and conducted his work in a professional manner. He followed up on all issues identified and ensured the construction company rectified any faults found. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone considering similar work.

Eastern Frames UK LTD

I have worked with Paul Thompson from Assent's Birmingham Central Office for over 15 years to successfully deliver buildings in all projects sectors. (Paul and Assent are) extremely pro-active in offering commercially aware Building Control solutions for our clients, often on very complex schemes.

Ed Baverstock - Director
BBLB Corstorphine + Wright Architects

We have been working with Assent for 2 of our projects currently and the service we have received is exceptional. We are working with Mr.Bhavik Khokhani (Ealing Office) and he is very diligent thorough and very approachable. Overall, it is a pleasure working with him. Look forward to work with him in the future too.

Enrich Construction

Assent have been excellent at every stage and in every aspect of my project. I have already appointed them for my next project and I look forward to working with them in the future.

Extension Plans

Excellent service from your company, I would be more than happy to recommend your services to other people. The builder has said he will be using your inspector in future as he was very easy to contact and always answered his phone. Many thanks.

Falcon Designs LTD

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