Building Standards - A day in the life of

A 'day in the life' as a Building Standards Officer in a Scottish local authority is varied and dynamic, blending office-based plan assessments with on-site inspections. The core responsibility is to ensure public safety and that buildings are designed, constructed, and altered in compliance with the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and associated regulations.

Here's a breakdown of what a typical day might involve:

Morning:

• Desk Work & Plan Assessment:
  • Reviewing Building Warrant Applications: The day often starts in the office, assessing new or ongoing building warrant applications. This involves meticulously reviewing architectural and engineering plans, specifications, and other submitted documents for various projects – from small house extensions to complex commercial developments. The officer will check for compliance with the Scottish Building Regulations, including aspects like structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.
  • Responding to Enquiries: Dealing with emails and phone calls from architects, developers, builders, and members of the public seeking advice on building regulations, clarification on submitted plans, or guidance on upcoming projects.
  • Report Writing: Preparing technical reports on plan assessments, highlighting any areas of non-compliance and suggesting solutions.

Mid-day:

• Site Inspections: This is a crucial part of the job, and officers spend a significant amount of time out on site.
  • Checking Work in Progress: Visiting construction sites to inspect ongoing building work at various stages (e.g., foundations, superstructure, drainage, fireproofing, insulation). The purpose is to ensure that the work being carried out aligns with the approved building warrant plans and complies with the building regulations.
  • Problem Solving & Advising: Identifying any deviations or issues on site and working collaboratively with contractors and developers to find solutions that achieve compliance. This might involve advising on alternative methods or materials.
  • Documenting Findings: Taking photographs, making notes, and updating records of site visits and any identified issues. This often involves using a handheld tablet device.

Afternoon:

• Completion Certificates:
  • Assessing Completion Certificate Submissions: Once construction is complete, the "relevant person" (usually the owner or developer) submits a Completion Certificate. The Building Standards Officer will review this submission, often involving a final site inspection, to ensure that the building genuinely complies with the regulations before accepting the certificate.
  • Issuing Certificates: If satisfied, the officer will issue the acceptance of the Completion Certificate.
• Enforcement & Dangerous Buildings:
  • Investigating Unauthorised Work: Following up on reports of building work being carried out without a building warrant or not in accordance with approved plans. This can involve issuing notices and taking enforcement action if necessary.
  • Responding to Dangerous Building Reports: In urgent situations, a Building Standards Officer may need to attend dangerous or defective buildings (e.g., after a fire or severe weather) to assess the risk to public safety and advise owners on necessary remedial or demolition work. This can be a high-pressure aspect of the role.
• Meetings & CPD:
  • Internal Meetings: Attending team meetings to discuss complex cases, share knowledge, and contribute to service improvements.
  • Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Keeping up-to-date with changes in legislation, technical standards, and construction practices through training, seminars, and professional body engagement. The Scottish building standards system is regularly updated.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of building construction, engineering principles, and especially the Scottish Building Regulations and associated legislation.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing plans and inspecting work on site.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and work with others to find compliant solutions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication to effectively liaise with a wide range of people, including architects, builders, and the public, often explaining complex technical information in an understandable way.
• IT Skills: Proficient in using various software for plan assessment, report writing, and record keeping.
• Organisational Skills: Managing a varied caseload of applications and inspections.
• Driving Licence: Essential for travelling to various sites.
• Resilience: The ability to handle potentially contentious situations and deal with urgent issues like dangerous buildings.

In essence, a Building Standards Officer in Scotland acts as a crucial guardian of public safety and quality in the built environment, working to ensure that all construction projects meet the rigorous standards set out in Scottish law.