Building Warrants FAQ

What is a Building Warrant?

  • Building Standards Regulations are made by the Secretary of State for Scotland and approved by Parliament. It is essential for anyone proposing to construct, alter or extend a property to first obtain a Building Warrant.
  • A Building Warrant is the legal permission to commence building work and is granted by the local council.
  • It covers the technical aspects of foundations, walls, drains, ventilation, conservation of fuel and power, electrical installations…virtually every aspect relating to the erection of your conservatory if it is over 8 square metres.
  • Your application must be accompanied by detailed plans and the appropriate fee. The plans will be assessed to determine whether they comply with technical standards. As soon as the local council is satisfied with the proposals, it will issue a Building Warrant, which is, in effect, permission to proceed with the work on site.
  • As soon as the work is completed, an application must be made for a Certificate of Completion. Failure to obtain such a certificate can be a major problem when a property is being sold. The prospective buyer will normally wish to see an original copy of the certificate before completing the transaction.

Can work be started before a Building Warrant has been granted?

  • NO! Not under any circumstances. Occasionally, individuals undertake construction without having received the necessary permissions. In addition to pursuing a prosecution and fine, the local authority has powers to require the work to be taken down and the building returned to its original condition.

How close to the boundary with my neighbour can I build?

  • A conservatory will require a fire wall if built within one metre of the boundary. This is a double brick wall with a cavity which can be plastered or built in facing brick.  One or more structural steel windposts may have to be inserted to help reinforce the wall.

What happens with a large manhole where my conservatory is to go?

  • Manholes can be raised up and sealed with an airtight cover or, if required by the Water Authority, moved or diverted. Each case is determined individually as part of the application for a Building Warrant.

I have pipes coming down the wall where my conservatory will go. What should I do?

  • Pipes can either be diverted or the roof can be built around the pipes which can then be boxed in , if required.

I have a central heating flue which will end up inside the conservatory. What should I do?

  • A flue cannot vent into a conservatory and will require to be moved a safe distance from opening windows or air bricks, our architect or CORGI registered heating engineer will be happy to advise.

I'm covering my kitchen/bathroom window with the conservatory. How do I clear the air now?

  • A mechanical extractor such as an electric fan will be required and is often installed as part of the electrical work.

The technical consultants and architects have answered many diverse questions over the years and will be happy to advise. Please phone or e-mail for further information. Your local Building Control officer should be consulted if in doubt.

Stevenswood Conservatories - FreePhone 0800 085 0488
Stevenswood Conservatories (Scotland) Limited, Sandyholm Garden Centre, Crossford Lanarkshire, ML8 5QF, Freephone 0800 085 0488, Tel 01555 861142, Fax 01555 861143, Email info@stevenswood.net