Give us proper building inspectorate

What are the real costs for a properly resourced Local Authority building control inspectorate? Let’s look at the cost of a straightforward system like the successful one operating in the UK.

The methods of building (self-build/main contractor, etc) would be declared by the client on commencement and trigger a sliding scale of fees. For the full range of building types it is sensible to adopt a sliding scale cost, based on the building type, method of procurement, whether an architect would be providing a full service and whether a contractor is registered or not. Appointment of an architect to provide full service is still the best way to ensure building quality and compliance. All building control fees to be borne by developer/client and process to be self-funding at zero cost to taxpayer.

Where a full service appointment is in place for a once-off dwelling we would assume the lowest control inspection level is required: three inspections at a cost of €375. This rises up to €1,125 for a self-builder requiring, say, nine inspections per dwelling. For a multi-unit residential development with a main contractor and design team giving partial service, this development would have a minimum of, say, six inspections at €750 each per unit. Depending on the level of professional service employed, this cost may rise. Other categories would be on a sliding scale, with provision for fines caused by non-compliant work, requiring additional inspections and admin (warnings issue etc). In this system, most existing categories of procurement are accommodated: from self-building once-off housing to “for-sale” multi-unit developments where a full architectural service is not provided.