Scottish building warrant
The building regulations (or building standards) set out statutory requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction and notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings. Failure to comply with the building regulations can result in a fine and/or an enforcement notice requiring rectification of the works.
In Scotland, Scottish Ministers are responsible for creating building regulations and preparing technical guidance to ensure buildings are safe, efficient and sustainable.
The granting of permission for building regulations compliant work to be carried out is referred to as a 'building warrant' in Scotland. Building warrant applications are made to local authorities.
An application might include:
- A location plan.
- Plans, elevations and sections.
- Construction details.
- Engineer’s calculations.
- Energy rating calculations.
- Additional information depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
Alternatively, design work on aspects such as structure and energy efficiency can be certified by an approved certifier, with each such certificate giving a 10 per cent discount on the building warrant fee. During construction, drainage, heating systems and plumbing work can also be certified as building regulation compliant.
Building warrants are normally decided within 4-6 weeks and are valid for 3 years.
The local authority will carry out inspections during construction. Once construction is completed, a completion certificate (and where appropriate an energy performance certificate) is sent to the local authority who will then inspect the works. If the completed works have not been carried out in accordance with the approved warrant drawings and in compliance with the building regulations, the completion certificate is rejected.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved documents.
- Assignation.
- Building regulations.
- CIOB Value of Construction: Scotland report.
- Devolution.
- Government departments responsibility for construction.
- Planning permission.
- Scottish building services certification schemes.
- Scottish building standards.
- Statutory approvals.
- UK.
[edit] External references
- Scottish Government. Building Standards.
- Scottish Government. Building Warrants.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.