Architects in Edinburgh

A building warrant is a legal requirement that ensures your construction project meets the necessary building regulations and standards. It covers various aspects of the building work, such as structural safety, fire safety, and energy efficiency. Without a building warrant, you may be subject to penalties or fines, and the construction work may be halted.

The property owner or the person carrying out the building work is responsible for obtaining a building warrant. However, many property owners and developers seek the assistance of architects or building professionals to help them with the building warrant application process.

To obtain a building warrant, you will need to provide detailed plans and specifications of the proposed construction work, as well as supporting documents such as structural calculations, energy assessments, and fire safety reports. The local building standards department will review your application and may request additional information if necessary.

The building warrant application process can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the construction work and the workload of the local building standards department. It is recommended to allow for plenty of time to obtain the building warrant before starting any construction work.

It is illegal to start construction work without obtaining a building warrant first. If you do start work without a building warrant, you may be subject to penalties or fines, and the construction work may be halted until the necessary approvals are obtained.

Planning permission and building warrants are two separate approvals that may be required for a construction project. Planning permission relates to the use and appearance of the building, while a building warrant covers the technical aspects of the construction work.

We can advise you if both approvals are required for your project.

Building warrant fees vary depending on the value of the construction work. The fees are typically based on a percentage of the estimated cost of the work and may include additional charges for plan revisions or site inspections.

The minimum fee to the local authority is £150.00, this covers work up to the value of £5000.00

If the value of the work is more than £5000.00 the fee will be more.

Additionally, there may also be additional fees to the local authority planning department, Architectural fes, and Structural Engineer’s fees.

A building warrant is valid for three years from the date of issue. If construction work has not commenced within this timeframe, the building warrant will expire, and a new application must be submitted.

Suppose you make significant changes to your construction plans after obtaining a building warrant. In that case, you must submit revised plans and specifications to the local building standards department for approval. 

This will require an amendment to the warrant.

Minor changes may not require approval, but consulting with the building standards department is essential to determine if any changes require a new application or additional fees.

You may need an amendment to your building warrant if there are changes or modifications to the approved plans or specifications of the construction work. This can include changes to the design, materials, or construction methods, changes to the proposed building use, or alterations to the site.

It’s important to note that any changes to the approved plans or specifications must comply with the relevant building regulations and standards. If you are unsure whether you require an amendment to your building warrant, please ask, and we can advise you.

An amendment to warrant costs £100.00 (2023)

Yes, you must notify the building standards department when the construction work is about to commence. This notification is typically done through a ‘Notice of the Start of Work,’ which informs the local building standards department that construction is about to begin and that the work will be carried out under the approved plans and specifications.

The Notice of Initiation of Work must be submitted at least seven working days before the construction work is due to start. The building standards department may carry out inspections during the construction work to ensure that the work is being carried out following the approved plans and specifications and that all relevant building regulations and standards are being complied with.

It’s important to note that starting construction work before providing the required notice can result in penalties, fines, or legal action and may require the work to be stopped or rectified at additional cost.

You must notify the building standards department when the construction work is complete and request a completion certificate. This certificate confirms that the construction work has been completed under the approved plans and specifications and complies with the necessary building regulations and standards.

Most construction work, including new builds, extensions, conversions, alterations, and demolitions, requires a building warrant. However, some minor works may be exempt from the requirement, such as minor repairs or maintenance work.

An architect or architectural technician can assist with the building warrant application process by preparing the necessary plans and specifications, obtaining supporting documents, and liaising with the local building standards department. They can also advise on building regulations and standards and help ensure the construction work meets the necessary requirements.

Yes, you can apply for a building warrant yourself, but seeking professional advice from an architect or building professional is recommended. They can help ensure that your application meets the requirements and assist with any issues or queries that may arise during the process.

If you carry out construction work without obtaining the necessary building warrant, it can have serious consequences when you try to sell your house. Prospective buyers may conduct surveys or inspections and discover that the construction work was carried out without the necessary building warrant. This can make it challenging to sell the property, as buyers may be concerned about the work’s safety, quality, and compliance.

In addition, the local building standards department may become aware of the work and can take enforcement action against you, including fines, legal action, or the requirement to rectify the work. This can be costly and time-consuming and may result in delays or difficulties when selling the property.

You can find more information about the building warrant application process on the Scottish Government’s website or by contacting your local building standards department. You can also consult an architect or building professional for specific guidance and advice on your project.

The length of time it takes to obtain a building warrant can vary depending on the complexity of the construction work and the workload of the local building standards department. Generally, the process can take 4-12 weeks or longer for larger and more complex projects.

You will typically need to submit detailed plans and specifications of the proposed construction work and supporting documents such as structural design & calculations, energy calculations, U values, and drainage reports. Your local building standards department can provide specific guidance on the documents required for your application.

The Technical Handbook 2023 is the building standards ‘Bible.’

A wide range of building regulations and standards must be complied with when carrying out construction work in Scotland, including regulations related to fire safety, structural integrity, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Your architect or building professional can guide the specific regulations and standards that apply to your project.

No, you cannot start construction work before obtaining a building warrant. Doing so can result in penalties, fines, or legal action and may require the work to be demolished or rectified at additional cost.

If the proposed construction work affects neighboring properties or the public, you may need to notify your neighbors. This may include notifying them of the construction work and any potential disruptions, such as noise or traffic. Your architect or building professional can advise you on the specific notification requirements for your project.