Approved Inspectors are qualified and experienced private sector building control professionals and consultancies who can help developers, designers and contractors achieve Building Regulations approval on almost any construction project - from extensions and one-off homes to large commercial office developments and infrastructure projects.

Approved Inspectors provide a cost-effective and client-friendly alternative to local authority building control.

There are currently about 60 Approved Inspectors in England and Wales, accounting for about 20% of all building control work. They range from specialist individuals to very large businesses - half of the country's top 10 building control bodies (by value) are Approved Inspectors.

Traditionally, only inspectors from the local authority were authorised to undertake building control.  But the Building Act 1984 opened up the market, allowing qualified individuals and firms in the private sector to fulfil this role in England and Wales. Government and industry recognise that competition in this sector has had a hugely positive impact, providing a stimulus to greater efficiency and high standards of service to the customer.

Approved Inspectors are professional and specialist advisers.  They guide clients through the maze of Building Regulations.

Once appointed, it is an Approved Inspector’s responsibility to take reasonable steps to satisfy him/herself that the building work complies with Building Regulations throughout the process. 

When you use an Approved Inspector, he or she will take on responsibility for plan checking and inspection of your building work.

The procedure requires you and the Approved Inspector jointly to notify your local authority of your intended building work on what is called an 'Initial Notice'. Once this notice has been accepted by your local authority the responsibility for plan checking and site inspection will be formally placed on the Approved Inspector.

An Approved Inspector will:

• Advise you on how the Building Regulations apply to your work
• Check your plans
• Issue a plans certificate (if requested)
• Inspect the work as it progresses
• Issue a final certificate.

The approval process for certifying Approved Inspectors is rigorous, ensuring the highest standards are maintained.

Approved Inspectors are bound by the code of conduct of their own professional body (such as RICS, ABE or CIOB) and that of their regulatory body, the Construction Industry Council (CIC).

ACAI members are further bound by the ACAI Code of Conduct which includes a complaints procedure, providing further safeguards for the client and the assurance of the best service from its members.

To find a suitable Approved Inspector for your project, search the Members Directory.