Printable project file
Route-decision worksheet comparing certainty, speed, hidden-work risk and evidence for full plans versus a building notice.
Best used: Fill it in before choosing the quicker route; the aim is to expose risk before the builder is booked.
Before you use this sheet
Use this as a project file prompt, not as proof that the work is compliant. Fill it in before speaking to building control, your designer, your builder or a registered installer so the conversation starts with the evidence that matters.
- Write down the project address, proposed work and whether the work has already started.
- Record who is responsible for drawings, calculations, applications, inspections and certificates.
- Keep copies of source checks, installer registrations, inspection dates, photographs and completion paperwork.
- Re-check the official source links if the project scope changes or work starts later than expected.
Generated 2026-06-06. Re-check official guidance and your building control body's requirements before relying on this asset.
Building control route decision sheet
Use this printable as a preparation aid, not as approval. It should help the homeowner collect the right information before speaking to a building control body, registered building control approver, registered installer or relevant professional.
Source and date panel
- Generated date: 2026-06-06
- Source snapshot: 2026-06-05
- Jurisdiction selected: England-first
- Project selected: All projects
- Re-check before submission or before work starts.
What this pack is for
Pairs with route checker tool.
Trigger topics
- local authority
- registered building control approver
- competent person
- BSR
Before you rely on this checklist
- Confirm whether the work needs building regulations approval.
- Confirm whether planning permission or lawful development checks are also needed.
- Confirm whether any part of the work is covered by a competent person scheme.
- Confirm whether the work involves a flat, common part, fire separation, structural element, public sewer, party wall or higher-risk-building route.
- Keep certificates and inspection records because they may matter when selling the home.
Questions to answer
- What work is being done, exactly?
- Which parts of the existing building are affected?
- Who is designing or specifying the work?
- Who is notifying building control or self-certifying the work?
- What inspections are expected before anything is covered up?
- What certificate, commissioning record or completion evidence should be issued at the end?
- Which official source or building control body has been checked most recently?
Evidence checklist
| Evidence item | Needed? | Who provides it? | Stored where? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Existing photos before work starts | ☐ | Homeowner / builder | ||
| Proposed drawings or sketch | ☐ | Designer / builder | ||
| Specification or product datasheets | ☐ | Builder / supplier | ||
| Structural calculations if relevant | ☐ | Structural engineer | ||
| Competent person certificate if relevant | ☐ | Registered installer | ||
| Building control inspection notes | ☐ | Building control body | ||
| Completion certificate / final acceptance | ☐ | Building control body | ||
| Warranties and commissioning records | ☐ | Installer / supplier |
Red flags
- Work starts before the approval route is clear.
- Builder says "you do not need anything" but will not put certificate responsibility in writing.
- Structural, fire, drainage, ventilation or energy issues are being hidden by finishes.
- Work affects a flat, escape route, party wall, public sewer or higher-risk-building route.
- You cannot identify who will issue the final paperwork.
Recommended next steps
- Save the tool result into the project dashboard.
- Print this pack before asking for quotes.
- Add project photos during each inspection stage.
- Upload or record every certificate as soon as it arrives.
- Re-run the relevant checker if the scope changes.
Internal links Codex should render
- /tools/building-control-route-checker/
- /tools/approved-document-router/
- /tools/inspection-stage-checklist-generator/
- /downloads/
- /projects/
Footer warning
This document does not replace official guidance, professional advice or approval from a building control body. Check the latest official source before relying on it.
Handover note
At the end of the project, store this sheet with completion certificates, competent person certificates, warranties, product information and any building-control correspondence. It may help when selling, remortgaging or explaining historic work later.