Check if you need a building warrant

A building warrant is generally required to erect, alter, extend, convert or demolish a building.

If you carry out work that requires a building warrant without first obtaining a warrant, you are committing an offence. You may be liable to a fine of up to £5,000. If you have inadvertently started before applying, you must declare this on the application form.

Building work that does not need a Building Warrant

A building warrant is not required for some types of work to certain types of buildings. If a Building Warrant is not required it will either fall within Regulation 3 exempted buildings and services, fittings and equipment or Regulation 5 buildings work, services, fitting and equipment not requiring a warrant. If work falls within Regulation 5, although a Building Warrant is not required, the works must still comply with the Building Regulations. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure this work complies.

Further guidance on minor works can be found on The Scottish Government website.

Contact us to discuss your proposal

You can contact us to discuss your project to establish if the works require a Building Warrant.

We also have an online form to submit your enquiry. When we have reviewed your submitted form and accompanying information, we will provide you with a formal written response for your records within 10 working days.

Please note this form is for buildings of normal domestic use (houses) and not for commercial or industrial use. 

Check online if you need a building warrant

Alternatively, you can fill in our check if you need a building warrant form (PDF 158KB) and send it to our correspondence address. 

View the building warrant privacy notice (PDF 323KB).

We do not change a fee for this service.

Alternative Statutory Permissions

Remember to always check if you require additional statutory permissions for your build project. For planning, use the online form to check if you need planning permission or alternatively contact the Planning team directly to discuss your proposed project.