Final Inspection in Ireland — BCAR, Certificate of Compliance, and What Gets Signed
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Final inspection: Assigned Certifier inspects the finished build, signs the Certificate of Compliance on Completion (CCC). Required for occupancy. The CCC is the legal sign-off for the build. Without it, the mortgage won't release the final drawdown and the BER won't be issued. The Assigned Certifier inspects: the foundations (verification), the wall build-up (verification), the roof structure, the airtightness, the heating system, the electrical, the plumbing, the finishes. The CCC commits the Assigned Certifier to the build; they need to be confident. Don't sign BCAR until the snag is closed or in writing agreed. The CCC is filed with the Building Control Management System (BCMS).
TL;DR
Final inspection: Assigned Certifier inspects the finished build, signs the Certificate of Compliance on Completion (CCC). Required for occupancy.
The CCC is the legal sign-off for the build. Without it, the mortgage won't release the final drawdown and the BER won't be issued.
Don't sign BCAR until the snag is closed or in writing agreed. The CCC commits the Assigned Certifier to the build; they need to be confident.
When this matters most
You're approaching practical completion and need to plan the final inspection.
When this doesn't apply
The CCC is signed and the build is complete.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Certificate of Compliance on Completion?
A signed certificate from the Assigned Certifier confirming the building was constructed in accordance with the plans, specifications, and BCAR. Required for occupation. Filed with the BCMS.
What happens at the final inspection?
Assigned Certifier inspects: foundations, wall build-up, roof structure, airtightness, heating, electrical, plumbing, finishes. Signs the CCC if the build complies. Files with the BCMS.
When can I move in?
After the CCC is signed and filed. Most contracts allow occupation once the CCC is filed. Hold the retention as your leverage until the snag is closed.
Sources
Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (SI 9/2014). https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What is the Certificate of Compliance on Completion?
A signed certificate from the Assigned Certifier confirming the building was constructed in accordance with the plans, specifications, and BCAR. Required for occupation. Filed with the BCMS.
What happens at the final inspection?
Assigned Certifier inspects: foundations, wall build-up, roof structure, airtightness, heating, electrical, plumbing, finishes. Signs the CCC if the build complies. Files with the BCMS.
When can I move in?
After the CCC is signed and filed. Most contracts allow occupation once the CCC is filed. Hold the retention as your leverage until the snag is closed.