IDIAMM

So a BCO plays a pivotal role in designs getting approved however it’s not as simple as it may seem.

Depending on the type of project, compliance with building regs will need to be adhered too, and for this you need building control approval.

This means engaging with a “building control officer”. These can be independent or local authority based.

The process is as follows (i.e. a typical d&b project)

1. Appointment BCO and agreed fees and scope of works

2. Send GA, fire plans etc for early review and comment

3. Liaise via phone or email early thoughts and proposed design and any potential queries that could change the design (normally fire escape queries, travel distances with FE input, DDA compliance etc)

4. BCO complies a tracker outlining all regs and queries to comply with specific to your project

5. As the design develops info is emailed to BCO for comment and approval

6. The tracker is emailed back and forth, both parties adding comments and “closing out” requests for information where possible during the design stage

7. When the project gets on site, a number of visits will take place from BCO to witness progress and possible key events in construction process

8. Tracker continually closed out

9. Project gets close to being complete and PC day

10. Final visits and site inspection report issued by BCO re any issues to confirm on site

11. All testing of key m&e i.e. Fire alarm testing, AC, etc and certificates emailed to BCO as part of the tracker close out process with any other outstanding info required. This all happens in the last week or two drip fed and then testing etc in the last few days as the project nears completion

12. A letter of comfort may be issued to appease the client if they want to move in on a set day and BCO certificate is not ready (not uncommon)

13. BCO issues final certificate

Having a basic understanding of the above as a graduate means you have a real world understanding of the processes required to get a project complete and more importantly compliant and ready for the client on PC /handover day…