What are Interim Inspections?  Interim Inspections are site visits to inspect and sign off construction work at nominated stages. 

Why do I need to hire someone to carry out Interim Inspections?  Following your receipt of a Notification of a Grant of planning permission, usually the next step is to approach the lending agency to secure a loan to build.  The lending agency will wish those carrying out Interim Inspections to request the release of moneys from the lending agency to the client for works carried out at the nominated stages. 

Who is qualified to carry out Interim Inspections?  Interim Inspections are carried out by Building Surveyors, Engineers and Architects/Architectural Technologists. 

What are Certificates of Compliance? Following the completion of building works those carrying out Interim Inspections release to the lending agency Certificates of Compliance stating that the works are in substantial compliance with Building Regulations and Planning Permission.  Substantial Compliance means that some alterations to the structure may have occured during construction and although these alterations may not be at odds with the planning permission they are still changes.  They should not, however, effect the value of the property and therefore should not prevent the release of money by the lending agency in quesiton.   

Why hire a professional to carry out Interim Inspections if a loan from the lending agency is not necessary?  During the course of a build there will be engineering and technical questions both from the builder and you, the client.  These can be answered by the professional hired to inspect the works.  Also if, at a later date, you wish to sell your property Certificates of Compliance will be a necessary part of the paperwork.  Acquiring these from a professional after the fact might mean rigorous investigation of the building and may including opening up of the foundations to inspect steel.

Brigid Browne of Fortress Planning carries out Interim Inspection on dwellings designed by Fortress Planning and/or by others.  If planning drawings are provided by a third party these can be upgraded to construction drawings and if required architectural drawings (detailing finishes, colours and domestic mechanical and electrical services).