Stage 3 audits
Avoiding Last-Minute Building Regulations Panic with Early Audits
Learn how early Building Regulations audits can prevent last-minute compliance issues, save costs, and ensure smooth project delivery for architects, developers, and planners.
We’ve all seen it happen: a project is racing towards site start, contractors are ready, and suddenly compliance issues appear that should have been caught months earlier. The result? Stress, expensive rework, and looming delays.
The truth is, most last-minute panic moments aren’t about poor design—they’re about timing. By the time problems surface, budgets and schedules are locked in, making even small issues costly.
This is where early Building Regulations audits can save the day. Conducted at the right stage, they identify compliance gaps before they become major problems, helping teams deliver projects on time and on budget.
Step 1 - Audit Early, Audit Often
Don’t wait until tender or site start to check compliance. Conducting an initial Building Regulations audit at the end of RIBA Stage 3 or the very start of Stage 4 allows you to spot problem areas while design decisions are still flexible.
Early audits save money, reduce stress, and give your team time to make necessary adjustments without disrupting the programme.
Step 2 - Focus on the High-Risk Areas
Certain elements of a project are more likely to trigger compliance issues:
Fire safety: door ratings, compartment lines, and escape routes
Accessibility: level thresholds, accessible WC layouts, corridor widths
Thermal performance: insulation continuity, airtightness, and junction details
Services coordination: avoiding clashes that can cause compromises later
Targeting these hotspots during early audits addresses the majority of potential problems before they escalate.
Step 3 - Make Compliance an Ongoing Process
One audit is not enough. Successful teams integrate continuous Building Regulations checks as designs evolve and contractors provide updates. Regular reviews throughout Stage 4 and construction documentation keep the project aligned, reducing the chance of late-stage surprises.
Why Early Audits Matter
By waiting for feedback from Building Control, you risk lost time, extra costs, and unnecessary stress. Early audits act as insurance - ensuring compliance, maintaining client confidence, and smoothing project delivery.
At RegWorks, we provide specialised Building Regulations compliance audits for clients and planners at any stage—whether you’re about to submit or have already done so. Our audits identify potential risks and provide clear, practical solutions to keep your project on track.
Avoid last-minute panic. Audit early. Build better.