A Building Warrant is generally required to be issued before starting any work. Your Warrant will be granted if the work you propose meets the Building Standards Regulations for compliance with the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Building Standards have produced new guidance regarding the requirement for a building warrant. You can read this guidance ‘Do I need a Building Warrant’ here.
Argyll and Bute Building Standards utilise the most up to date RICS Building Cost Information Surveys (BCIS) of Tender prices to calculate the appropriate Building Warrant fee payable in £/square metres for works of different character.
The Scottish Government have published the Building Standards Customer Journey for Home Owners which explains the roles and responsiblities of the homeowner in relation to the Building Standards Process.
Please remember it is an offence to start work for which a Warrant is required - before obtaining the Warrant. If a Warrant is not obtained, this could lead to difficulties in acceptance of a certificate of completion and in selling your property. It is strongly recommended that applicants should seek professional advice regarding their project.
With the introduction of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendments etc.) (EU exit) Regulations 2019 - new rules apply to construction products which need to be tested when using British standards to earn the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark and will become law on the 1st January 2022, where only products with the UKCA marking can be accepted in Great Britain
Please remember that Building Warrants are separate from Planning Consent, or any other consents you may require.
Express Building Warrant Assessment Service for minor works
The Express Building Warrant Plan Assessment Service will allow certain specified works to be instantly assessed for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and associated Technical Handbooks. This will allow consent to be given quickly thereby allowing work to commence on site.
We have a Gaelic version of our Express Building Warrant Plan Assessment Service document.
Building Works without Statutory Consent
For building works within Argyll and Bute, permission will normally be required from the Local Authority’s Building Standards section.
It is hoped that the information provided in this guidance Building Works without Statutory Consent will assist you to obtain the appropriate approval as quickly and as easily as possible.
Patio Doors French Doors
For the installation of patio doors / French doors within Argyll and Bute, permission will normally be required from the Local Authority’s Building Standards section.
It is hoped that the information provided in this guidance Patio Doors French Doors will assist you to obtain the appropriate approval as quickly and as easily as possible.
Removal of Window Mullions
For the removal of a window mullion within Argyll and Bute, permission may be required from the Local Authority’s Building Standards section.
It is hoped that the information provided in this guidance Removal of Window Mullions will assist you to obtain the appropriate approval as quickly and as easily as possible.
Roof Lights Roof Windows
For the installation of roof lights and roof windows within Argyll and Bute, permission may be required from the Local Authority’s Building Standards section.
It is hoped that the information provided in this guidance Roof Lights Roof Windows will assist you to obtain approvals as quickly and as easily as possible.
Guidance on Soakaway Design (Primarily for Architects & Agents)
It is hoped that the information provided in this Soakaway Design Guidance will assist you to obtain approvals where a soakaway is part of the proposal as quickly and as easily as possible.
Letter of Comfort
The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and its predecessor, the Building (Scotland) Act 1959 both contain a requirement that a Building Warrant is granted prior to any building or demolition work being undertaken. However, the Local Authority often finds itself being requested to assist owners, who are having difficulty selling their property due to unauthorised works having been carried out, often by previous owners. The process for dealing with such circumstances is known as a “Letter of Comfort”
It is hoped that the information provided in this guidance Letter of Comfort will assist you to obtain approvals as quickly and as easily as possible.
Health & Safety
If you are having construction of refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) - find out more on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions document has in-depth answers to the following questions...
- Is there any Building Work that is exempt from the Requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations?
- Is there any Building Work that does not need a Building Warrant?
- Do Replacement Windows require a Building Warrant?
- How do I obtain a Building Warrant?
We also have a Gaelic version of our Frequently Asked Questions document.
Who do I contact if I need more advice?
If you have any more questions or need any further advice please contact the local area office closest to your site.
You can also find good advice from the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government.
Argyll and Bute Council is the verifying body for Building Warrant applications submitted within the geographical area of Argyll and Bute. The role of the Verifier is to protect the public interest by providing an independent check and, when satisfied, the approval of an application for Building Warrant, and also issue a Notification of Acceptance of the Completion Certificate submitted by the Applicant if they are satisfied that the work complies with the relevant Building Warrant and Building Regulations.