Building Control Customer Comments
You Said? - We did!
Service user
For non-domestic applications, can we submit only one set of plans for checking instead initially of four until all the amendments and revisions have been done. This will save on paper wastage.
Informed our reception staff and technical surveyors they could advise architects/developers it will be acceptable to submit only one set of plans initially for checking.
Service user/Building Control staff
To reduce the number of enforcement cases can we give potential customers prior warning that they need to submit for Building Regulations approval.
Produced a leaflet for all planning applicants explaining they may need Building Regulations approval. We also now write to a significant number of planning applicants explaining that they will need Building Regulations approval and how they can access our service.
Other Service Provider
Could building control send an electronic copy of completions to the fire service rather than a paper copy of the certificate. This will save time, delivery cost and wastage.
An electronic list of completions is sent through to the generic fire service e-mail address so their records can be updated.
Service User
Building Regulations application forms that are downloaded from the website cannot be completed electronically, they have to be printed off blank and completed by hand. Can the electronic form be enabled to that text can be added electronically?
Changed the format of the application forms so that applicants can complete the information electronically.
Service User
Regularisation forms are not available on your website to download. Could a form be e-mailed rather than posted as this would save around two days.
An electronic version of the Regularisation Form (PDF) has been produced and added to the shared drive in Building Control. Staff can now e-mail the forms as an attachment to customers who need them.
Other Service Provider
Could building control accept e-mail consultation reports from the fire service rather than paper copies being sent back by post. Would save time and postage costs.
Set up a system whereby all fire service reports are sent through to a building control generic e-mail address to be forwarded on to the relevant case officer.
Service User
Now that letters are printed two sided could you number the pages of letters so that customers are clear when there is more than one page (i.e. 1 of 2).
Page numbers are now added to letters.
Building Control Staff
Now that our reception area is located on level 7 (two floors below) could a full set of the Building Regulations Approved Documents be made available on level 7 for the duty officers to use. This will help deal with technical questions from 'drop in' customers more quickly.
A full set of Approved Documents has been bought and kept at level 7 reception.
Service User
The format and quality of the plan checking amendment letters is inconsistent.
Amendment letters now set up in a standard format and a periodic quality check put in place. We have also added an invitation for the customer to contact us if the information is not clear or incomplete.
Householder and Service User
As a householder having building work done, I left the builder to deal with building control and was not aware if he was complying with your requirements. I have since paid him without knowing whether everything was completed satisfactory.
We have recently introduced an information letter for all our applicants of domestic work. This explains our role and invites them to contact us regarding the progress or compliance of the work being carried out at their property if they have any concerns.