Building Control Officer
What is the work like?
It is the job of a building control officer, or building control surveyor, to make sure that buildings meet construction regulations. The regulations include public health, fire safety, energy conservation and building accessibility.
As a control officer, you would work on the planning and construction phases of a building project. Projects could range in size from a small housing extension through to a large city centre redevelopment.
Your key duties would include:
- liaising with architects, designers, builders and engineers on planning proposals
- suggesting ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of materials and energy use
- carrying out regular inspections at each stage of the building process
- maintaining records and issuing completion certificates.
You would also be responsible for surveying potentially dangerous buildings that have been damaged by fire or bad weather. If necessary, you could approve their demolition. You might also be responsible for authorising entertainment licences, and checking safety at sports grounds, open-air events, cinemas and theatres.
The job has a lot of responsibility attached to it, and on all projects you would have to take into account the implications of your decisions on contractors' time and costs. However, if you decided that a building project was no longer meeting regulations, you could start legal proceedings to change or stop the work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need at least two A levels, a BTEC National Diploma, HNC/HND or a degree to get into this kind of work. Relevant subjects include:
- building studies
- civil engineering
- building control
- building surveying.
Employers' entry requirements can vary so you need to check with them for exact details.
See the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS)and LGcareers websites for more information on training routes and the job role.
What further training and development can I do?
As a building inspector you would normally receive on-the-job training, which may include NVQ qualifications, such as:
- Built Environment Development and Control at levels 3 and 4
- Building Control Level 4.
For more details, see the Association of Building Engineers (ABE). You could also study for the professional exams of the RICS or the ABE. After passing written exams, you would be assessed to rate your professional competence.
The professional bodies run seminars and training courses, and distance learning options are also available. See their websites for more information.
Where can I go for more information?
Lutyens HouseBilling Brook Road
Weston Favell
Northampton
NN3 8NW
Tel: 0845 126 1058
Kings Ride
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7TB
Tel: 01344 630700
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JE
Tel: 0870 333 1600
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Initial salaries can range from £21,000 to £26,000 a year.
- Experienced inspectors can earn between £27,000 and £38,000.
- Senior inspectors can earn up to £50,000 a year.
Rates tend to be higher in the south-east, particularly in the private sector.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You might be on a 24-hour call-out system, for example if the emergency services needed you to inspect an unstable building.
You would split your time between the office and on-site visits, where you would work in all weather conditions. Some jobs could involve working from heights on scaffolding or ladders, and you would use protective safety equipment on all sitework.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an excellent knowledge of Building Regulations
- a good understanding of the technical aspects of construction
- good problem-solving skills
- a tactful and diplomatic approach
- strong IT skills
- excellent communication and negotiating skills
- the ability to explain technical terms clearly to members of the public
- time management skills and organisational ability
- good teamworking skills but able to work alone when required.
What opportunities are there?
You are likely to find most job opportunities with local authorities but there are also openings in the private sector with government-appointed inspection bodies.
Your promotion options would be linked to your qualifications and experience. You would have opportunities to specialise in a particular field, for example fire safety, or you could move into technical and planning roles in other departments, for example town planning.
If you have a lot of experience in building control, you could become self employed and work as a consultant.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
CIOB
LGjobs
RICS Recruit
surveyorjobs.net
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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