How to notify: the three routesThree ways to get notifiable work signed off. Know them?

Join a Competent Person Scheme (CPS)

e.g. NICEIC or NAPIT. No need to pre-notify, so you can start straight away.

• The work must be notified, through your scheme, within 30 days of being completed
• The scheme sends a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate to the householder and Building Control
• You still issue your BS 7671 certificates to the client

Rough cost: NICEIC £750–850/year · NAPIT £500–600/year plus a fee per notification. You get a 24/7 technical helpline, discounted books and less admin. If you work for a registered company, you'll usually be covered by their scheme.

Use a registered third-party certifier

Pay someone who is registered to inspect, certify and sign off your work, and notify on your behalf.

• Tell the certifier within 5 days of finishing the work
• The work is then notified within 30 days

Notify Building Control yourself

Before starting, submit a building notice or full plans. Allow up to about 30 days. Building Control then becomes responsible for checking the work.

• If you're qualified to complete BS 7671 certificates, give Building Control a copy. They decide what further inspection is needed.
• They may issue a completion certificate or inspect it themselves
• Build a good relationship with your local council. Once they trust your work, they're less likely to inspect every job.