SCOT. B S' HUB

When do I need a Building Warrant?

It is recommended that you contact your local authority building standards service to find out if a building warrant is required.

Types of work that need/do not need a building warrant
The property owner is legally responsible for making sure that all work complies with the building regulations. The local authority can take enforcement action against the property owner where this is not the case.

The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 define different types of work that requires or does not require a building warrant. First you need to find out whether your work needs to meet the requirements of the building regulations. If it does, you then you need to know whether you must also obtain a building warrant.

You should seek guidance from your local authority building standards service to find out what the requirements are for the work you plan to do. Work is divided into “types”, as seen below.

Work types that are categorised ‘exempt’ under SCHEDULE 1 of the building regulations:

- DO NOT need to satisfy the requirements of the building regulations (i.e. they are ‘exempt’ from the regulations); and
- DO NOT require a building warrant.

Work types that are categorised ‘not requiring a building warrant’ under SCHEDULE 3 of the building regulations:

- DO need to satisfy the requirements of the building regulations; but
- DO NOT require a building warrant.

You should seek written confirmation from your local authority that your work falls under SCHEDULE 1 or SCHEDULE 3. You can find further information about SCHEDULE 1 and SCHEDULE 3 work types in the building regulations:
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