Frequently Asked Questions

Generally most garages/sheds would require a warrant unless they have a floor area of under 30m2 and can satisfy various other criteria.  It should however be kept in mind that although it may not be necessary to apply for a warrant in some cases, the building should still be built in accordance with the current building regulations.

Almost all extensions would require a warrant unless they have a floor area of less than 8m2, will not involve any structural work to the existing building and can satisfy various other criteria such as fire separation distances from boundaries and neighbouring buildings etc.

Any new ramp constructed, even if it is at an existing building, should comply with the current standards relating to ramps.

The amount of insulation required can vary depending on the construction of the building and also the levels of insulation in the existing house. For further details on this please consult your one of our officers or your agent/architect.

Oil storage tanks should be located at least 760mm from the boundary and at least 1.8m from any building unless a non-combustible, fire-resisting barrier is provided which extends at least 300mm higher and 300mm beyond either end of the tank.

Your LPG Bulk Tank or LPG storage cylinders should be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who should be able to advise you on the permissible areas to position such fuel storage.

All elements of a septic tank and filtration system should be positioned at least 5 metres away from any buildings and boundaries and at least 10 metres from any watercourse.

A Completion Compliance Notification Plan (CCNP) will be provided to you with your warrant approval documents, this will outline details on the minimum required inspection stages. However, as a general rule, we should be notified when works commence, i.e. when the site is cleared and the foundations are ready to be constructed so that we may inspect the foundation trenches, formwork, or site fill prior to any concrete. Your structural engineer (if one is involved) should also be notified at this stage.

The next inspection should then be arranged with the area officer to inspect the drainage layout when the pipes have been laid in the trenches and are still exposed, prior to any backfilling.

A further inspection should also be arranged when the superstructure has been erected but prior to the sheeting of the walls.

The final inspection which must be arranged is for the Completion inspection which is carried out when all of the works have been completed.

It is possible to arrange to have an officer come for additional inspections in some instances if it is required but these should be arranged with the area officer.

Please also be aware that notice should be given with as much time as possible to give the area officer sufficient time to schedule a visit, so that works are not held up as works await inspection.

Building Warrant fees vary depending on the size of the building and also the type of the building. Fees are worked out based on the internal floor area using a standard rate per square metre. The floor area is multiplied by the rate per square metre for the relevant building type to arrive at a notional figure which you would then compare against the table supplied with your building warrant application to determine the fee which relates to the figure. 

The floor area rates per square metre for building types are as follows;

• Garage: £525 (including integral garage areas)
• Agricultural Building: £290 (Profiled Sheeting)
• Agricultural Building: £508 (Blockwork)
• House Ground Floor: £1277
• House Upper Floors: £913
• Refurbishment/Conversion: £650

For example a two story house with an integral garage would multiply floor areas of the various different parts of the building (i.e. garage, ground floor, first floor) and then add the totals for each area together to arrive at the total notional figure.

If you require further guidance please feel free to ask us for assistance.