Insights Into the Role of a Principal Building Control Surveyor
14 Jun, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What it’s like to be a Principal Building Control Surveyor.
- What trends are shaping the future of building control.
- How to find and apply for the best Building Control Surveyor jobs.
Since the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator in April 2024, it has become illegal to complete building control work in England without registration as a Building Inspector.
For some building control professionals, the introduction of more stringent regulations has made it harder to practice the profession.
With potential implications including decreased job dissatisfaction and experienced Surveyors choosing to leave the profession, we’ve been talking to a Principal Building Control Surveyor to hear their thoughts on the current events taking place within building control.
Tell us about your career path so far
My career path so far has been a varied one. I have worked in construction for many years and my experience ranges from design, trade, management and now building control.
Along the way, I also learned some practical trades like plastering and bricklaying which enabled me to start a construction company.
I then explored an opportunity within building control which appealed to me and I am now working as a Building Control Inspector.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My typical day involves carrying out site inspections and checking work to ensure that building control compliance is achieved.
I will also deal with technical queries, check plans and drawings for compliance.
The people I speak to are Architects, Building Contractors, and building owners to discuss the various applications we may be working on.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Principal Building Control Surveyor?
I enjoy meeting all the different people involved with my job, resolving problems, helping clients and discussing technical challenges with my colleagues.
What challenges have you faced within your role?
Some of the challenges are related to the continually changing legislation and keeping up to date with industry trends and new products.
On occasion, I may have to deal with a non-compliant project and take enforcement action, however, thankfully this doesn’t happen very often.
I’d say the current biggest ongoing challenge is obtaining my surveyor validation with the Building Safety Regulator. Most surveyors I know have had an uphill task to go through this process.
What trends do you see shaping the future of building control?
After the current Building Safety Regulator validation reform, building control will be a more regulated sector surrounded by more bureaucracy, potentially making it a more difficult and stressful profession.
More Building Surveyors will leave the sector and a real shortage will ensue, more so than the current shortage being experienced.
The more mature, experienced surveyors, who can bring a whole wealth of experience to the sector, will just leave or won’t be inclined to go through the exam or interview validation process.
Some approved inspectors and local authority building control departments will collapse due to not having enough validated surveyors.
How do you keep up to date with industry changes and legislation?
I find the best ways to stay up to date with industry changes and legislation is by attending meetings, seminars, Continuous Professional Development events and generally keeping an eye on Local Authority Building Control for updates and changes through membership contact.
You also tend to hear about changes and new things through being in the job on a day-to-day basis as information is passed along.
What advice do you have for people wanting to pursue a career as a Building Control Surveyor?
I’d say do the research into the validation process and understand how the industry will be regulated by the Building Safety Regulator.
Speak to as many Building Inspectors as possible, from the younger graduates to the more senior experienced surveyors.
What’s next for you within your career?
Survive the current validation process, then if successful I will continue to contract where the earning potential is better. Otherwise, I could work in the private sector as a general surveyor.
Building control jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim building control job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Building control recruitment services
As building control recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with our building control specialist, Joel Khambay on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the property sector.
If you work in the building control sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
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