A Building Warrant is required for all internal and external alterations to ensure compliance with the Building Standards (Regulations) and to ensure your builder has a set of drawings to detail how the project has to be constructed. Your Building Warrant is made up of Architectural Drawings and in some cases with the addition of the Structural Engineers Drawings.
A Building Warrant must be applied for and granted by the local authorities Building Control Officer before any building work can commence on site.
The building regulations 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 works. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings.
In Scotland, Scottish Ministers are responsible for creating and updating the building regulations and preparing technical guidance to ensure buildings are safe, efficient and sustainable.
Your Building Warrant Application may include the following;
- Application Form
- Payment of the Local Authority Administration Fee
- A Location and Block Plan
- Existing and Proposed Floor Plans
- Existing and Proposed Elevations
- Existing and Proposed Section Drawings
- Construction and Service Details
- Structural Engineers Drawings and SER Certification
- EPC (Energy Performance Calculations)
Not all of the above elements are required for all projects as most projects differ in requirements; we will be happy to discuss your project in detail and advise what is required.
Once the Building Warrant Application is submitted, it is reviewed by the Building Control Officer and additional information may be required depending on the nature and complexity of the project. The whole process of obtaining a Building Warrant takes on average between 6-10 weeks from the point where your application is validated by the council.
We will always keep you up to date with all developments whilst your application goes through the process as we act as your duly appointed agent from the outset.
Once your Building Warrant is approved, you will be issued with the set of Approved Drawings and your Building Warrant from the Local Authority which will include a Notification Plan – this details what stage the Building Control Officer wants to carry out an on-site inspection of your project.
Upon successful completion of your project, you will need to submit an Application for Completion Certificate – this is you advising the Building Control Officer that all works are 100% complete and were carried out and completed in accordance with the Approved Plans. You will be required to issue a copy of your Electrical Certificate and Gas Safety Certificate to the Building Control Officer for finalising of your Completion Certificate, on the provision the inspections are all satisfactory.
The Building Control Officer will issue you with your Completion Certificate when they are happy all points are closed out and works have been completed in compliance with the Approved Plans and to a good standard of workmanship.