A basic guide to preparing and lodging a building warrant application. It is recommended you always use a professional.
Before you apply for building warrant it is recommended to find out if you require planning permission. Use Do I Need Permissions project categories to find out if you need planning permission.
Once you have your planning permission or certificate of lawfulness in place you need to apply for building warrant. Use Do I Need Permissions project categories to find out if your project requires a building warrant.
Decided how your project will be constructed.
- Your project will have to meet the current building regulation standards a copy of this can be downloaded from the Scottish government website.
- There are many different ways to meet these regulations. Your local architectural service provider will be able to assist you with this.
When choosing your construction details remember to think about your budget. Use Do I Need Permissions cost estimators to find out how much your project might cost.- You don’t have to just meet the standards required by the building regulation you can exceed them. For example think about insulation it may cost more to have a better insulation value than what is required but in the long run it will save you money on heating bills.
- Think about how your project will be maintained after construction. Try to use materials that require low maintenance but still achieve the finish you desire.
- Always get a good set of details for your project and try to have a basic understanding of how everything will be constructed.
What do I need for a building warrant application?
- A location plan with your property including boundary outlined in red.
- An external layout plan.
- Existing floor plans and elevations.
- Proposed floor plans and elevations.
- Existing sections.
- Proposed sections (if alterations are taking place)
- Details
- U-value calculation (show that your construction method will meet the insulation values required by building regulations)
- Engineers information (where required)
- Additional information to suit your specific project.
- All your drawings need to be to scale.
Lodge your application.
- Once you have your drawings in place you will need to complete the application forms. These can be downloaded from your local council website.
- You will be required to pay a fee, find out what your fee will be using Do I Need Permissions building warrant fee page.
What happens next?
- Once your application has been received by the council your application will be validated.
- Your application will then be checked for compliance with the building regulations.
- The building control inspector may have queries on your warrant, you will receive a request for additional information (this in normal).
- Your response for additional information will be checked for compliance.
- If all is acceptable a building warrant approval will be issued.
Once I have received my building warrant.
- Once you have received your approval you should notify the council that you are starting works. A form will be enclosed with your approval or you can download them from your local council’s website.
- Your building control inspector may require to inspect your project at various stages.
- Once your works are complete you should apply for a completion certificate.
- Your building control inspection will come and inspect your works to ensure they have been completed as per your approved drawings.
- If your works comply with your approved drawings you will be issued with your completion certificate. You should keep this in a safe place as it may be required should you sell your home.
Obtaining building warrant does not allow you to build, you may require planning permission. Have a look at Do I Need Permissions planning permission guide.
The above information is relevant to Scotland only.
