Approved Inspectors Guidance Notes

With effect from October 2005 Building Control for housing may be carried out by Approved Inspectors other than NHBC Building Control Services Ltd.

Approved Inspectors are companies or individuals authorised under the Building Act 1984 to carry out Building Control work in England and Wales.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) maintains and operates the Approved Inspectors register in accordance with the responsibilities entailed by CIC's appointment as a designated body by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG). It is responsible, on behalf of the CLG, for deciding on the appointment of Approved Inspectors.  You can find out more about the CIC's role by visiting www.cic.org.uk.

Approved Inspectors will be required to ensure that homeowners have the benefit of insurance covering specified breaches of the Building Regulations (principally relating to health and safety) and costs arising as a result of the exercise of statutory powers in connection with contaminated land. The CLG has agreed that Designated Warranty Insurers can apply their own criteria when determining whether to provide this cover. 

The CLG has issued criteria for Designated Warranties and has confirmed that Buildmark Policy provided by NHBC is a Designated Warranty.

Guidance notes are available at www.nhbcbuilder.co.uk which set out how Approved Inspectors may apply for insurance cover for homes they inspect under the relevant sections of the Buildmark policy. The sections are: Section 4 (Building Regulation breaches) and Section 5 (contaminated land) cover. Cover will only be provided where homes are enrolled with NHBC for cover under Buildmark