Why use an Approved Inspector?

Approved Inspectors are qualified and experienced private sector building control professionals and consultancies who can help developers, designers and contractors achieve Building Regulations approval on almost any construction project.
Approved Inspectors provide a cost-effective and client-friendly alternative to local authority building control.
Traditionally, only inspectors from the local authority were authorised to undertake building control. But the Building Act 1984 opened up the market, allowing qualified individuals and firms in the private sector to fulfil this role in England and Wales.
Approved Inspectors are professional and specialist advisers. They guide clients through the maze of Building Regulations.
When you use an Approved Inspector, he or she will take on responsibility for plan checking and inspection of your building work.
An Approved Inspector will advise you on how the Building Regulations apply to your work, check your plans,Inspect the work in progress and issue a final certificate.
The approval process for certifying Approved Inspectors is rigorous, ensuring the highest standards are maintained.Approved Inspectors are bound by the code of conduct of their own professional body (such as RICS, ABE or CIOB) and that of their regulatory body, the Construction Industry Council (CIC).
ACAI members are further bound by the ACAI Code of Conduct which includes a complaints procedure, providing further safeguards for the client and the assurance of the best service from its members.

Approved inspectors are regulated by the Construction Industry Council or CIC. The has been designated by government as a body for approving inspectors. Individual and Corporate Approved Inspectors registered with CIC are qualified to undertake building control work in accordance with section 49 of the Building Act 1984 and regulation 4 of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 1985, and the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2000.

CPD Events

As part of our commitment to professional development we are always looking at ways to facilitate learning in the workplace. The Oculus Academy delivers lectures, seminars, workshops and surgeries. Sessions are usually held at lunchtime and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
We also invite other consulatnts, manufacturers and other bodies to deliver lunch time sessions at our offices. The Oculus Newsletter will keep you posted on these events.All those that attend any of our CPD sessions will receive an Oculus Academy certificate.

The Approved Documents

Accessing the Approved Documents on line is easy just go to the Planning Portal where you can download the documents and obtain further advice on Building Regulation matters. Just click on the link provided below.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/buildingregs/technicalguidance/bcapproveddocumentslist/

Oculus Newsletter

The Oculus Newsletter will be issued at the end of the summer. The Newsletter contains advice and guidance on the building regulations, conservation of energy, conservation of historic buildings, Access, fire safety and other topical subjects concerning the building industry. We also produce information on the activities of Oculus so that you are up to date on the services we can provide.

If you would like us to include any specific topics or If you would like to contribute to the Newsletter then please let us know by contacting us through our web site.

If you do not receive our Newsletter then please complete the registartion which can be foound on the home page of our web site.

Approved Document update

Try and visit our web site to get up to date advice on the revised editions to Part F, Part G , Part J and Part L. The requirements of Part G came into force on the 6th April 2010. The other requirements will come into force on the 1st October 2010.

Construction death rate falls

The number of people who died in construction related incidents fell by 20% last year. This is according to official figures released by the HSE.
Forty-one people died in the year ending the 31st March 2010. This is compared to 52 in the same period last year.