Aipedia: Building control approvers

AI-assisted remote and video inspections

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

Remote inspections are allowed under the operational standards rules, but the evidence must be time-stamped and geo-tagged, and the inspector must judge what a camera cannot show. Relying on footage the builder chose is where most of the risk sits.

Part of: AI in building control approvers

In short

OSR 3.8 requires building control bodies to produce and retain reports for all inspections, "both site-based and remote", and OSR 3.10 requires inspection evidence to be date/time marked and images geo-tagged. Video calls, contractor-supplied photos and AI image tools can make remote inspection efficient, but they show only what the person holding the camera chooses. The inspector remains accountable (RBI code 4.2) and must decide when a site visit is needed. A missed defect is usually a negligence question under PI, and the evidence trail will matter.

How remote inspection works with AI

Building control bodies use several forms of remote inspection: a live video call with the builder walking the site, photos and video uploaded through an app, and drone or 360-degree imagery. AI features may be built in. They may tag images to a stage of work, check that time and location data are present, enhance low-light footage, or flag apparent issues such as missing insulation or fire stopping.

Remote inspection saves travel time and can add inspection points that would not otherwise happen. It is weaker for work that needs physical testing, measurement or a view behind finishes, and for anything the inspector has not specifically asked to see.

The duties that apply

The relevant duties are:

OSR 3.8: produce and retain reports for all inspections, site-based and remote.
OSR 3.9: reports must be supported by evidence of the work inspected and how it was inspected, any contravention, interventions and observations.
OSR 3.10: inspection evidence must be date/time marked and images geo-tagged.
OSR 3.7: inspection regimes and project plans follow a risk-based approach, which should decide when remote inspection is appropriate.
RBI code 2.11 and 4.2: be trained in the technology and accountable for the decisions it supports.

The operational standards rules do not set out which stages may be inspected remotely. That judgement sits with the building control body and the inspector, and should be recorded. See AI risk-based inspection planning for how plans are set.

What can go wrong

Footage is selective by nature. A builder may film the completed section of a cavity barrier and not the gap at the corner, or the insulation on one elevation and not another. Video compression and poor light hide detail. AI enhancement can make an image look clearer without adding information, and tagging tools may accept metadata that has been edited or carried over from an earlier visit. Geo-tagging proves where a photo was taken, not that it shows the whole of the work.

Illustrative: an inspector carries out a remote check of fire stopping in a block of flats using contractor-uploaded photos. The app confirms time and location stamps and its image tool flags no issues. The inspector records the stage as satisfactory. Later, intrusive investigation finds unsealed service penetrations in risers that were not photographed. The owner's claim argues a competent inspector would have asked for the risers or attended. The report records the photos received, but not what was requested or why no site visit was made.

How PI usually responds

An allegation that a remote inspection missed a defect is commonly handled as professional negligence, subject to the policy terms. The strength of the defence depends on the records: what was requested, what was received, why remote inspection was appropriate and what limits were noted. Where the defect concerns fire safety, check any fire safety restrictions in your PI. Insurers may ask about the proportion of inspections carried out remotely; see PI insurance for building inspectors and approvers for the insurance basics.

Practical controls

You can reduce the risk with these steps:

Set out in your inspection policy which stages are never inspected remotely.
Tell the builder exactly what to show, including specific locations, and record the request.
Use live video where possible, so you direct the camera.
Check that time and location data are original and match the project.
Do not treat an AI "no issues" result as an inspection finding.
Record limitations, such as areas not seen, and follow up with a site visit when in doubt.
Keep the full image set with the report, not only the frames used.

Related guides: AI defect detection in inspection photos and AI-written inspection reports. Apex arranges PI for building control bodies and self-employed inspectors, and a broker can check how your policy treats remote and AI-assisted inspections. See the AI in building control hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

Are remote building control inspections allowed?

Yes. OSR 3.8 refers to inspections "both site-based and remote", and reports must be produced and retained for both. OSR 3.10 requires the evidence to be date/time marked and images geo-tagged. Which stages suit remote inspection is a risk-based judgement for the building control body.

Can I rely on photos the builder sends?

You can use them, but you should decide what is photographed, check the time and location data, and record any areas you could not see. Footage chosen by the builder may not show the defect, and you remain accountable for the inspection decision under RBI code 4.2.

Does PI cover a missed defect found after a remote inspection?

Usually it is treated like any other negligence allegation, subject to the policy terms. Fire safety restrictions may affect cover for fire stopping or compartmentation defects, and good records of what you requested and why are central to defending the claim.

Check your PI covers how you use AI

Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.