Applying for a Building warrant / Amendment to warrant / Extension to warrant
If you are proposing to construct, extend, alter, demolish or convert a building, a building warrant is required
Please note the building warrant fees will increase on 01 April 2024. Due to the Easter Public holidays, if you are planning on submitting a building warrant application prior to these changes we must receive your application and prescribed fee before 5pm on Thursday 28th March to ensure the submission can be validated prior to the deadline Building warrant fees from 01 April 2024 (PDF, 73 KB)(opens new window)
Almost all new building work including building a house extension or installing a new patio door in place of a window, through to altering commercial buildings or erecting new buildings needs the granting of a Building Warrant before work starts and the acceptance of a completion certificate submission when work is completed to ensure that it is safe to use and fit for its purpose.
Building Standards ensure that all new or altered buildings comply with the building regulations which set the national standards for health and safety. The detailed requirements of each building regulation are contained in the technical handbooks (opens new window).
Details of how we handle your information can be found in our Privacy notice (PDF, 318 KB)(opens new window)
Before submitting a building warrant, please note, if the application has been registered and you decide to withdraw the application there is no refund of the fee.
Making a building warrant application.
The Customer Journey (PDF, 982 KB)(opens new window) explains the building standards system to anyone making home improvements or starting building work.
Making a quality building warrant application (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window) document provides useful guidance on applying for a building warrant and provides information on the following key areas:
- Building standards system and warrant process
- Roles and responsibilities
- Who should submit a building warrant application
- What makes a quality application
- Project and application types
- List of useful building standards guidance
- Checklists of what to submit with a building warrant application.
What happens after I have applied for a building warrant?
The time taken to process building warrant applications will vary according to current demand which lies outwith our control and is subject to resources available. However, we aim to ensure an assessment of your proposal has been carried out within 20 working days of receiving the building warrant application. Our service standard (PDF, 161 KB)(opens new window) lets you know what you can expect from us.
How do I get an extension on my building warrant?
The original building warrant is valid for a period of 3 years from the date the building warrant is granted. Note any subsequent stage or amendment expires on the date of expiry of the original building warrant.
A building warrant may be extended by submitting an extend period of validity application form (opens new window) (model form C) and paying the £150 application fee. The first extension is for 9 months and any further extension is at the discretion of the building standards manager. This form can also be completed online through the eBuildingStandards portal (opens new window).
How do I change the appointed agent details?
If you wish you can change (PDF, 106 KB)(opens new window) the appointed agent details at any stage of the building warrant process, this can also be done online.
Further information?
The full legislation covering the building warrant process is available from the Scottish Governments (opens new window) website including the technical handbooks. Further information on the certification process covering Certificates of Design and Certificates of Construction can be found on the certification register (opens new window). This register is the only source of information on Approved Certifiers and Approved Bodies in Scotland.
