What work will require Building Warrant approval?
Generally, all building work will require a building warrant unless it is exempted by the Building Standards legislation, namely, in Schedule 1 and Schedule 3 within Section 0 of the Building Regulations. Some examples of work that can be carried out, without a building warrant, includes some small extensions, such as porches under 8m2 floor area and some detached domestic buildings such as garages that are less than 30m2 internal floor area.
Work that does require a building warrant includes:
- Carrying out work that includes structural alterations, this would include installation of a rooflight in the roof of a property, where rafters or other structural roof members need to be altered. This also includes alterations to structural walls, such as enlarging an opening in an external wall or removing your existing conservatory roof and replacing it with a solid roof;
- Extending the habitable area of a dwelling, such as work to convert a loft or a garage into a habitable area of the house;
- Altering/removing loadbearing internal walls;
- Forming a door opening between your house and attached garage
- Installing external wall insulation.
Making a quality building warrant application: what you need to know is a document available from the Scottish Government website that gives useful guidance on making a building warrant application.
The Scottish Government technical guidance for both Domestic and Non-Domestic properties is complex and it is suggested that you obtain the services of a construction professional such as surveyor /architect or similar to assist in determining whether or not a building warrant is required.
If you have any questions about whether work would require a building warrant, you can discuss this with the building standards team, or alternatively, for written confirmation of domestic and agricultural buildings, complete and submit the relevant form to the Building Standards section: