SCOT. B S' HUB
Building Warrant Application
What is the Scottish Building Standards System?
The Scottish Building Standards System helps property owners undertaking building work or home improvements to meet the building regulations.
You may need permission in the form of a building warrant from your local authority building standards service. This is normally required for a new building, or an alteration, extension, conversion or demolition of an existing building.
The building warrant confirms that the proposed work meets the requirements of the building regulations.
It is a legal requirement for you to have a building warrant before any work commences.
STAGE 01
Before you apply for a building warrant
Find out if you need a building warrant. Your local authority building standards service will be able to help.
You can choose to appoint an agent to act on your behalf, to help make sure your plans meet the building regulations (such as an architect, building engineer or building surveyor).
Consider using an Approved Certifier of Design for structural and energy designs. These are Scottish Government approved people who can self-certify that their design work meets the building regulations.
STAGE 02
Apply for a building warrant
Make sure you include all the design details and the appropriate fee with the application form when you apply for a building warrant to your local authority building standards service.
You might need to consult with other organisations.
It is a legal requirement for you to have a building warrant before any work commences.
STAGE 03
Local Authority Assesses Your Building Warrant Application
Your building warrant application will be assessed by your local authority building standards service to check the proposed work complies with the building regulations.
You will usually be advised of the outcome in around 20 working days. The local authority may request further information at that time.
STAGE 04
Building Warrant Is Granted By Your Local Authority
When your local authority grants your building warrant they will also tell you in writing about:
• What you need to do next; and
• Any inspections they plan to undertake at scheduled stages of the work. These will be set out in the Construction Compliance and Notification Plan (CCNP).
STAGE 05
Building Work (or Conversion) Starts
You must notify your local authority when work starts and again at different stages (advised in the CCNP).
You are responsible for making sure the work is done properly. Use reputable builders and trades persons, such as those registered with a respected trade or professional body.
You should consider using an Approved Certifier of Construction for electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing installations. These are Scottish Government approved people who can self-certify that their work meets the building regulations.
STAGE 06
Changes to the building warrant design
You must carry out your building work in accordance with the building warrant.
If you intend to make any changes to the design covered by the building warrant, you must apply for an amendment to building warrant.
You cannot carry out the changes until the local authority has granted the amendment to building warrant.
STAGE 07
Building Work (or Conversion) Is Complete
When your building work is complete, you must be satisfied that it meets the building regulations.
Sign and submit your completion certificate to your local authority building standards service.
They will then make checks or inspections. You cannot occupy a new or converted building or use a new extension until your local authority has accepted your completion certificate.
STAGE 08
Local Authority Accepts Your Completion Certificate
Your local authority will either accept your completion certificate or reject it. They will advise you of any points to be addressed before it can be accepted.
Once your completion certificate has been accepted, you can make use of the building or extension.
The property owner should retain the completion certificate and present it as evidence if required by a future property buyer, lease-holder, financial lender and/or solicitor.
