Building-control role map

A simple project record showing who owns each decision, document and statutory action. The roles that apply depend on the works and building-control route.

Start with the authority: the local Building Control Authority administers building control. Ask it or a competent professional which procedures and roles apply to the proposed works.

Building owner

Record the legal owner’s name and current contact details. Keep copies of any notices, assignments and declarations signed by the owner, plus evidence of when they were submitted.

Designer

Record the person or practice responsible for the design material and their stated project role. File issued drawings, specifications and design certificates by revision, not as undated attachments.

Builder

Keep the builder’s legal trading details, named project contact and written scope. Store any assignment or undertaking with the version accepted through the project’s building-control process.

Assigned certifier or opt-out record

Where an assigned certifier is part of the applicable route, record the appointment, accepted role, inspection material and completion documents. Where a lawful opt-out route is used, keep the submitted opt-out documentation; an opt-out does not remove the duty to meet Building Regulations.

Building Control Authority

Record the authority, project reference, BCMS reference where used, and every validation or information-request message. Authority administration is not a substitute for the owner, designer or builder’s responsibilities.

Official starting points, checked 25 July 2026:
Department of Housing: Building Control
National Building Control Office: building-control FAQs