Building Control Officer / Building Inspector
Building control officers check that building work meets the Isle of Man’s Building Regulations. They review drawings before work starts and visit sites during construction. Projects can range from a home extension or loft conversion to a new school or commercial building. Their checks cover things like structural safety, fire protection, drainage, insulation and accessibility.
Building control and planning permission are separate processes. Planning looks at whether a development is suitable for its location. Building control looks at how the work is designed and carried out. For example, a building control officer might inspect foundations before concrete is poured or check fire protection before it is covered up.
What you’ll do
- Read architectural drawings and technical specifications to assess building regulations applications.
- Visit construction sites at key stages to check work such as foundations, drainage and insulation.
- Explain what needs to change if plans or work on site fall short of the regulations.
- Advise homeowners, builders, architects and engineers before and during a project.
- Keep accurate records of inspections, decisions and follow-up action.
- Carry out final inspections and help determine whether a completion certificate can be issued.
Skills you’ll need
- An interest in how buildings are designed and put together.
- Good attention to detail when reading drawings, taking measurements and checking work on site.
- The ability to explain technical information clearly to people with different levels of construction knowledge.
- Sound judgement when assessing problems and deciding what action to take.
- Good organisation and report-writing skills to manage several projects and keep clear records.
You’ll spend part of your time in an office reviewing plans, writing reports and answering enquiries. You’ll also travel to construction sites, where you may work outdoors in different weather and wear protective equipment. A full driving licence may be required for site visits. On the Isle of Man, Douglas City Council and Onchan District Commissioners cover their own areas, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) covers the rest of the Island.
Qualifications and training
If you’re interested in a career in building control, explore the Construction, Architecture and Surveying courses at University College Isle of Man (UCM) for current options and entry requirements.
Higher-level qualifications in construction, building surveying or civil engineering can help you progress into the role. Check individual vacancies for the qualifications and experience employers are looking for.
With experience, you could take responsibility for more complex projects and progress to a senior officer or team management role. Relevant professional bodies include the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Professional membership may be required for senior posts.