Last edited 15 Jan 2018

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.