Site inspections for building control

How to arrange a site inspection

To book a site inspection visit, you can call us on 01865 252807.

Alternatively, email us at siteinspections@oxford.gov.uk with the following details:

• your reference number
• the site address
• type of inspection you're requesting
• builder’s name, address, and telephone number (for the first inspection)
• contact name and telephone number (for subsequent inspections)
• date when the work will be ready for inspection

Please ensure requests are made before 5pm on the day before the desired inspection date. We'll book the visit for the following working day.

Note that Completion Inspections cannot be scheduled for a specific day. A member of the Building Control Team will contact you to arrange this after your request.

We require 48 hours' notice, following payment receipt, before arranging an inspection.

Inspection stages

The following are the stages at which notification should be given. However, as all jobs are individual, we may request that other stages are inspected once work has commenced on site.

• commencement: notification is required 2 working days before starting the works
• foundations excavated: required before pouring concrete
• damp-proof course and ground floor oversite: required when preparing the ground floor oversite before concreting (other floor types require inspection before they are covered up)
• structural timbers, steelwork or concrete beams: required before they are covered up
• drains for foul and surface water: required before backfilling
• drains testing
• roof structure: required before tiling or plasterboarding
• occupied before completion (if relevant): an inspection can be carried out if the building is to be occupied before it can be considered complete for Building Regulations
• work completed: final inspection upon completion of all works

When the work is found to be satisfactory and all other relevant inspections have been made, a Completion Certificate for the work can be issued. Most house sales require a Completion Certificate for any works undertaken to which Building Regulations Approval apply.