What it is
When building work under a warrant is finished, the person responsible, usually the owner, submits a completion certificate to the council. It certifies that the work was built in line with the warrant and meets the building regulations. This is section 17 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, and the Scottish Government’s procedural handbook explains the process.
The council does not simply file it. Under section 18 it accepts the certificate after making reasonable inquiry, and the handbook says that is likely to include an inspection.
How long the council takes
The procedural handbook says the council has 14 days to accept or reject an ordinary completion certificate, unless a longer period is agreed. City of Edinburgh Council says on its completion certificate page that it will acknowledge a submission within 14 days. It asks for the submission at least four weeks before the warrant expires.
West Lothian Council’s customer charter sets response targets for completion certificates, with an average of 3 working days and a maximum of 10 working days for the first response. Read the charter for what each target covers.
Moving in before it is accepted
For a new building, a conversion or an extension, it is an offence under the Act to occupy it before the certificate is accepted, unless the council has given temporary permission. The handbook notes that alterations are not caught by that offence, but they still need a certificate.
Why it matters when you sell
If you are buying or selling a home with significant work done, start with your solicitor. City of Edinburgh Council says that having no warrant may affect your ability to sell. If the warrant or certificate is missing, see work done without a warrant.
Records while we build
The certificate needs evidence of what was built, and some of it disappears behind plaster and paint. Our project contract identifies the inspection records, photographs and certificates required for the scope and who supplies them, so they line up with what your professional team submits.