PWC Building Control Services Ltd

AVOID, AVOID, AVOID, this is my experience with the Towcester office – a totally frustrating service that took over SEVEN MONTHS from final inspection of our (pretty simple) rear extension to receipt of our Final Certificate. During that time I sent some 25 emails and over 15 phone calls in the last few months alone (that’s in addition to the calls / emails our builder sent). Most emails, calls and messages went unanswered, I’ve had to re-send information previously provided and been given numerous “next week” promises.
I could write an essay on the experience but would prefer not to re-live the totally frustrating tale, if it helps you, here’s my tips:
• Look at other reviews for this business, my experience is not unique.
• Spend a bit more money on a firm with a strong reputation and resource – agree upfront the inputs (documents) and timescales to turn around your final cert.
• If you do call the PWC office in Towcester, select Option 4 on the automated switchboard – this is the “pay a bill” option and seems to be the only one they regularly pick up on!!

Absolutely poor building controls procedure and completely useless in overseeing the construction quality and safety. Due to their lack of oversize, dormers and window bay were not built to council specification and these had to be rebuilt causing more cost and issues. Do not use.

Terrible service - don’t contract with any company offering PWC Building Services as an ‘independent’ building certification service. I had a simple conversion of a traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof to light weight insulated roof. The PWC inspector identified the potential need for a cross member and asked for the designs to check the ring beam was sufficient not to require the said cross member - excellent real independence or so I thought. The construction company provided the calcs and for 4 months PWC have been promising to check them and determine if further work is required. When I contact PWC I can only speak to a receptionist…’but the director will call me back later that day’ but the call is never received. I suspect the inspector (a very diligent individual) was a contractor and has probably been told not to raise issues or been let go. How difficult is it to check a calculation … or is the result that is difficult to deal with. The contractor stands by their calcs but has said if PWC evidence there is an error they will retrofit the beam … PWC get your finger out!