Building Warrants & Regulations
Q: What is a building warrant and do I need one?
A:
A building warrant is legal permission required in Scotland before starting most building or structural work. It ensures your project complies with the Scottish Building Standards (covering structure, insulation, drainage, fire safety, etc.).
You’ll likely need a warrant if you're:
• Building an extension
• Converting a garage or loft
• Removing or altering structural walls
• Installing new drainage, heating, or windows
We assess whether you need a warrant and manage the full application for you.
Q: How is a building warrant different from planning permission?
A:
• Planning permission controls how your building looks and fits within its surroundings
• Building warrants ensure your project is technically sound and safe to build
Most projects need both — and we design to satisfy both from the outset.
Q: What is included in the building warrant service from Houz Design?
A:
We handle the full warrant process, including:
• Detailed warrant drawings and technical specifications
• Coordinating with structural engineers (SER certification)
• Arranging SAP and U-value calculations for energy compliance
• Completing and submitting the application
• Liaising with Building Control until full approval is granted
• Making any revisions required by the council — at no extra charge
Q: How much does a building warrant cost?
A:
There are two main costs:
• Council warrant fee — based on the estimated build cost (e.g. ~£1,080 for a £150k project)
• Third-party consultant fees, which we’ll manage and quote in advance:
• SER structural engineer: £700 – £2,500
• SAP/U-value calculations: £250 – £400
• Drainage/soakaway design (if needed): £700 – £1,500
• Ordnance survey maps or service plans: £60 – £150
We help you understand what’s needed and gather accurate quotes on your behalf.
Q: What if the council asks for revisions or extra details?
A:
That’s completely normal — and we handle all of that within your fixed fee.
We manage all communication with Building Control, and if revisions or clarifications are requested, we update the drawings and resubmit.
We only charge extra if you request major design changes after submission.
Q: What does SER certification mean and why do I need it?
A:
• SER stands for Structural Engineers Registration — a required certification in Scotland for structural work
• It ensures your project complies with all structural safety requirements under Building Standards
• It must be issued by an approved SER engineer — not a designer or architect
We coordinate this for you and ensure it’s integrated correctly into your warrant submission.
Q: How long does a building warrant take to be approved?
A:
• Initial response: Typically 3–6 weeks from the council
• Full approval: Usually 6–10 weeks, depending on project complexity and council workload
We handle all follow-ups, communicate regularly with the council, and keep you updated throughout the process.