Supporting Building Safety Compliance and Risk Management
Our construction audits provide independent, evidence-based assessments of high-rise residential buildings to support Building Safety Cases and regulatory compliance. For councils, housing associations, and social landlords, construction audits identify risks in building design and materials, assess compliance with regulations, and provide technical assurance to Accountable Persons under the Building Safety Act.
Construction audits are a critical part of a robust building safety strategy, helping landlords protect residents, manage regulatory risk, and plan remediation or maintenance programmes effectively.
What Is a Construction Audit?
A construction audit is a structured evaluation of a building’s physical construction, materials, and systems. Audits assess structural integrity, fire safety measures, compartmentation, façade performance, and other construction elements relevant to high-rise or higher-risk buildings.
There are two primary approaches to conducting a construction audit:
- Desktop Information Review
A desktop audit involves a thorough examination of existing information, including:
- As-built drawings, specifications, and construction details
- Previous surveys, reports, and certificates
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Regulatory approvals and compliance documentation
This approach allows auditors to identify potential areas of concern, understand construction methods, and highlight risks without immediate physical intervention. Desktop reviews are often the first step in building safety case preparation and can efficiently inform whether further physical inspection is required.
- Physical and Invasive Surveys
A physical or invasive audit involves on-site inspections to verify actual construction and detect defects or hazards that may not be evident from documentation alone. This includes:
- Examination of structural elements, walls, floors, and roofs
- Verification of fire compartmentation and escape routes
- Assessment of cladding, façades, and other critical building systems
- Sampling or intrusive inspection where necessary to confirm materials or hidden construction details
Physical surveys provide direct evidence of the building’s condition, allowing for precise identification of compliance gaps and prioritised remediation measures. They are particularly important when desktop information is incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with the building’s current condition.
Why Construction Audits Matter
Construction audits help landlords and building owners to:
- Identify non-compliant elements and construction defects
- Support Building Safety Case submissions and regulatory engagement
- Mitigate risk to residents through informed remediation planning
- Inform maintenance, refurbishment, or retrofit programmes
- Provide independent assurance to boards, committees, and regulators
By combining desktop and physical survey approaches, audits deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of high-rise building safety.
Deliverables and Reporting
Clients receive a detailed, actionable report including:
- Overview of building construction and materials
- Identification and prioritisation of defects and non-compliance
- Recommendations for remedial works or further investigation
- Supporting evidence for Building Safety Case submissions
- Guidance on ongoing monitoring and maintenance
Reports are clear, auditable, and designed for regulatory review, providing confidence to Accountable Persons, boards, and regulators.
Why Choose Us?
We have extensive experience auditing high-rise residential buildings for councils, housing associations, and private landlords. Our team combines construction expertise, regulatory knowledge, and practical insight, delivering audits that inform safe, compliant, and cost-effective building management.
By commissioning a construction audit, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, manage risk, and ensure building safety for their residents.