Builders and building control in disagreement, what can we do?

I am not a legal expert, but I can offer some general advice. It's important to consult with a professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation. Situations like the one you described can be challenging, and miscommunication between building control, builders, and homeowners is unfortunately not uncommon. Here are some general suggestions: Consult a Legal Professional: Given the complexity of the situation, it would be beneficial to consult with a construction lawyer. They can provide specific advice based on your jurisdiction and the details of your case. Review Contracts: Check the contracts you have with both the builders and any agreements with the building control. Look for clauses related to inspections, sign-offs, and dispute resolution. This can provide insights into the responsibilities and obligations of each party. Document Everything: Keep records of all communication with building control, the builders, and any other relevant parties. Document any written agreements, inspection reports, and photos. This information may be crucial if legal action is needed. Engage a Mediator: If there is a disagreement, consider hiring a mediator to facilitate communication between the parties. Mediation can sometimes help reach a resolution without going to court. Complaints and Appeals: Research if there is a formal complaints or appeals process with your local building control authority. This may provide an avenue to escalate the matter and have it independently reviewed. Explore Insurance: Check if you have any insurance policies that may cover disputes or defects in construction. This could include homeowners' insurance or any insurance the builders have. Legal Action: If all else fails, you may need to consider legal action. Your lawyer can guide you on the appropriate steps, potential claims, and the likelihood of success. Regarding opening up the walls of the extension, this is a significant decision and should be done under professional supervision. Your rights in terms of cost may depend on the outcome of the investigations and any contractual agreements in place. Remember, seeking professional legal advice is crucial in navigating complex construction disputes

Unfortunately building control only get a snapshot of your project, probably 3 - 5 times depending on the size of the extension. initially I would ask to see copies of the site inspection reports. These should highlight anything not viewed, or problematic at the building control inspectors site visits, They may also highlight any requests for additional back up information/photos etc that they may have required/requested from your builder to sign off the project. In the grand scheme of things, opening up small sections of ceiling, and reinstating will be a lot more cost effective than employing mediators/legal representative's etc, particularly if the builders and you are sure the build is as design.

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your build. It sounds like a frustrating situation indeed. Disputes between building control and builders are not uncommon, unfortunately, and they can arise due to various factors, including miscommunication or differing interpretations of plans. Regarding your rights as owners, it's essential to understand that building control has a duty to ensure that construction meets the required standards for safety and compliance. While it may seem burdensome to provide additional documentation or open up the walls for inspection, their primary concern is to ensure the structural integrity of the building. In terms of cost implications, this can vary depending on the circumstances and any contractual agreements in place with your builders. However, it's advisable to consult with a legal expert familiar with construction law to assess your specific situation and explore your rights and options. Communication is key in resolving such disputes. It may be helpful to facilitate open dialogue between building control, your builders, and yourselves to clarify any misunderstandings and work towards a resolution. I hope this information helps shed some light on your situation. Best regards ShapeHouse Team

Can you upload photos off the drawing ?? Can you upload the the on going progress? Might be able to help

If you have photos to back up your structural part to the structural engineer drawings then what’s the problem also a receipt from where you got the steels made may help Problem with building control is that they don’t all work to the book When you call them and they are to busy to call they say just take some photos to back everything up please