Start with the current route
Identify whether the project is with council building control, a registered building control approver or the Building Safety Regulator. Find the application or notice reference, its accepted scope and the construction stage. A new company cannot be appointed as though the earlier submission and inspections never existed. [3] [4] [5]
Before work begins, there may be more scope to change arrangements. Once construction has started, the statutory processes and the existing body's records become particularly important. Do not assume that a council application can be moved to private control halfway through simply by signing a new quotation. [1] [2]
Moving between private approvers
The government transfer guidance describes circumstances in which a new registered building control approver can take over after cancellation of an initial notice. It sets requirements for eligibility, the new notice and the transfer report and certificate. The new approver must assess whether it can properly accept the work. [1]
The relevant seven-day period for a new initial notice is tied to the specified cancellation process. It is not a general right to replace any approver at any stage. Establish the cancellation date and receiving body's position before relying on that route. [1]
Reversion is a different process
Where the private route ends without an effective transfer, the work can revert to the local authority. The council then needs to assess the outstanding work and the available evidence. That process is not the same as starting a fresh private appointment or seeking retrospective regularisation for work that never had approval arrangements. [2] [3]
Agree the handover before covering work
Prepare a record of drawings, amendments, inspection stages, photographs and test certificates. Identify any unresolved technical queries and any work that has already been concealed. Ask the receiving body which inspections or further evidence it needs before the builder proceeds. [1] [6]
Inspection responsibility must remain clear during the change. Do not assume that booking with the outgoing inspector also informs the incoming body, or that sending an email cancelling a commercial appointment cancels the statutory notice. [7] [8]
Compare the remaining service and cost
Get a written description of the new body's scope, charge and completion requirements. Consider whether the reason for switching can instead be resolved through clearer communication or an agreed inspection programme. Whatever the commercial decision, the objective is an uninterrupted compliance record and the correct final certificate. [9] [10]