Understanding remote inspections

The guidance outlines key considerations for BCAs deciding on which approach they might adopt for remote inspections. It also provides information for builders and the construction industry on what to expect from the different remote inspection approaches that may be used by the BCA.

The use of remote inspections increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have also been utilised during extreme weather events when site accessibility has been impacted by road closures. Now, remote inspections are gaining further acceptance as a way to save time and cost and provide business continuity.

Remote inspections allow BCAs to perform compliance assessments from remote locations, whether that be from the council or home offices or different cities. Using technology in this way can help people across the building system, including BCAs, inspectors, tradespeople and building companies, to work differently, run their sites more efficiently, and enable people to work more flexibly and productively.

Read the guidance for remote virtual inspections.

This guidance has been developed under current legislation and provides existing best practice for remote inspections. The Government has announced there will be public consultation in the coming months on a range of options to increase the uptake of remote inspections. This guidance is a 'living document' and will be updated to reflect any future legislative change.