Building warrants

All building construction works (with some exceptions) must comply with the standards prescribed in the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations

A Building Warrant application is required for the erection, change of use, alteration or extension of a building and is also necessary for the demolition of a property. It is valid for three years and construction work cannot begin before the Building Warrant has been approved.

The processing of Building Warrants is a major part of the work done by Building Standards staff. Each year in East Renfrewshire there are approximately 1400 applications amounting to a total cost of construction work of £70 million.

When a Building Warrant application is received a fee requires to be paid based on the cost of the building work. The current fee scales can be seen here

Where the proposed work involves structural design, e.g. steel frame, beams, roof structures, either structural calculations or alternatively a certificate from an approved Certifier of Design should accompany the Building Warrant application.

On some projects Building Standards may consult with various bodies before the assessment of an application is complete e.g. the Fire Authority, Scottish Water, SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) and the Health & Safety Executive.

The length of time it takes for checking will vary depending on the size and complexity of the proposals and any adjustments required to the plans to show compliance with the Building Regulations. Building Warrant Applications are checked against The Scottish Government, Building Standards Division Technical Handbooks.

How do you apply for a building warrant

Having established that a Building Warrant is required for your proposed building project an application form should be completed and forwarded along with the necessary drawings and appropriate fee to the Building Standards Section of the Environment Department. You can obtain the appropriate application form and guidance leaflets from our Related documents section below. If your building warrant submission contains a Certificate of Design, please refer to the following website for further information.

For further assistance please see our Frequently Asked Questions below and also those on the Scottish Government Website.

Please send Building Warrant Application to:-

East Renfrewshire Council
Environment Department
Council Offices, Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen Road
Giffnock
G46 6UG

Telephone: 0141 577 3001

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need to inform my neighbours when I make my application for a warrant and do they have the right to object to works shown in my application?
Answer: You do not have to inform your neighbours that you are applying for a warrant. A warrant only shows that you are complying with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. If your proposed building work is likely to affect or involve a mutual part of a building, you may have other legal obligations. It is advisable (and neighbourly) to inform anyone affected by the work. If you need planning permission for the work (which is separate from the building warrant) your neighbours will be notified by the Council and they will have a chance to object or comment. If you need any further advice on planning matters, contact our Planning staff on (0141) 577 3001.
Question: What happens if I cannot comply with a Regulation?
Answer: You might be able to apply for a dispensation or relaxation of a particular building regulation with which you are unable to comply. An application form for a relaxation of the Building Regulations can be obtained from our Building Standards Service. Call (0141) 577 3001 for further help.
Question: What happens when my building work is finished?
Answer: When your building work is finished, it is your responsibility (as the relevant person) to submit a completion certificate. This is needed to confirm that a building has been constructed, altered or converted in accordance with the warrant and the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. It is an offence to submit a false completion certificate, or to occupy a building without a completion certificate being accepted by the verifier. Our Building Standards Service must make reasonable inquiry to establish that your work complies with the warrant. If we are satisfied that he work complies, we must accept a completion certificate. You should receive notification of acceptance, or refusal (with reasons) of your certificate within 14 days.
Question: What is a conversion?
Answer: A conversion is a specified change of occupation or use of a building which will cause the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 to apply: for example, changing a loft space from storage use to an apartment or a garage into a bedroom. Schedule 2 in section 0 of the Technical Handbooks lists 10 specific types of work defined as a conversion. For anything more complex, it is likely you will need professional guidance. If you are in any doubt you should seek advice from our Building Standards Service. Please note that you need a building warrant for a conversion even if no building work is carried out.
Question: When can I move into a new property?
Answer: Prior to occupying a new property, you must obtain a 'habitation certificate' in the form of either a Temporary Occupation/Use Certificate or Certificate of Completion acceptance letter from our Building Standards Service. It is an offence for you to occupy or use a new building without first having obtained either of those documents.

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