Building Notice vs. Competent Person Scheme Certification
14th April 2025 - By Danelle Vanstone
When planning home improvements that involve replacing windows and doors, ensuring the work complies with UK Building Regulations is crucial. Homeowners have two primary options to certify this compliance: submitting a Building Notice to Local Authority Building Control or registering the job with a Competent Person Scheme (CPS). Both methods provide legal proof that the work adheres to current regulations, but they differ in their processes, costs, and convenience.
What is a Building Notice?
A Building Notice is a formal notification you submit to your local authority indicating your intent to undertake building work that must comply with Building Regulations. This notice is typically utilised for smaller or less complex projects where detailed plans are not necessary.
Who uses it: It’s commonly employed by homeowners or contractors not registered with a CPS, including DIY enthusiasts or builders whose work does not frequently require compliance checks.
How it works: This notice must be submitted before starting the work. The local authority then inspects the project at various stages to ensure it meets Building Regulations. A Completion Certificate is issued at the project’s end to confirm compliance.
Costs and time: Fees vary by local authority, and the inspection process can cause delays.
Alternative: Registering Jobs with a Competent Person Scheme
An alternative to submitting a Building Notice is to register the job with a CPS like Certass. This scheme is designed to streamline the compliance process for specific building work, such as window and door replacement.
Who uses it: This option is only available to installers registered with a CPS. These installers have proven their ability to comply with Building Regulations independently and maintain robust systems to ensure high service standards.
How it works: After completing the work, a CPS-registered installer can self-certify the installation. The scheme then notifies the local authority on behalf of the installer and issues a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (BRCC) to the homeowner.
Compliance and convenience: This process reduces the need for multiple local authority inspections, cutting down on time and cost. Additionally, CPS providers audit their members’ work, maintaining high standards and simplifying compliance. CPS-registered installers are also required to engage in ongoing professional development to ensure their knowledge remains current.
Why a BRCC from a CPS is Equally Valid
A BRCC from a scheme like Certass holds the same legal weight as a Completion Certificate from the Local Authority or a FENSA certificate. It’s a legally recognised document confirming your installation meets UK Building Regulations, crucial for both safety and efficiency, as well as compliance during property sales.
Homeowner benefits: Opting for a CPS-registered installer typically incurs no additional fees for local authority inspections, reducing overall hassle and ensuring faster project completion. Homeowners gain the assurance of compliant and professionally handled work.
Legal assurance for selling your home: Whether you possess a BRCC from Certass or a FENSA certificate, both documents assure potential buyers that your property’s windows and doors meet the required standards. This proof is vital during the sales process.
For homeowners planning to replace windows or doors, understanding these options leads to better decisions about hiring and compliance. Choosing a CPS-registered installer offers a seamless, cost-effective approach, ensuring your home improvements are legally sound and professionally executed.
For more detailed advice on selecting the right installer and ensuring your home improvements meet the necessary standards, visit Certified Competent and explore our resources designed to help you navigate building regulations with ease.