Work which may not require a Building Warrant

The following list covers work which often does not require a Building Warrant provided any restrictions are met.

The full details and list of all work that may be exempt is covered in Section 0.5 of the Technical Handbooks published on the Building Standards section of the Scottish Governments website.

If you have any doubt you should contact Building Standards to check the requirements before proceeding with the work.

Covered in brief detail are the following work. This list does not cover all work covered in Section 0.5 of the Technical Handbooks:-

• Replacement windows
• Replacing fixtures
• Providing thermal insulation
• All new heat producing appliances
• Balanced flues
• Lining a flue

Replacement windows

You will need a Building Warrant if for example you removing a mullion or altering an adjacent section of wall, such as the wall below a window to install patio doors.

The replacement windows whilst not requiring a building warrant must still comply with the relavent Building Regulations. You can apply for your windows to be checked by Building Standards for compliance either before or after they have been replaced. There is a charge for this service.

You may need to have your replacement windows checked when you want to sell your house.

Replacing fixtures

Work that does not need the granting of a Building Warrant and the acceptance of a Completion Certificate:

replacement of kitchen and bathroom fittings
replacement of existing heat producing appliances - please see below for new appliances
replacement of electrical fixtures, e.g. ventilation fans
replacement of ceiling and roof linings.

Providing thermal insulation

Providing insulation material to a wall, ceiling or floor must comply with the relevant Building Regulations.

No Building Warrant is required unless the thermal insulation is being provided to an outside wall when a Building Warrant is required.

Please note that incorrectly placed thermal insulation material can cause deterioration to the structure of your home through condensation. You are advised to consult a construction professional or experienced person when undertaking this kind of work.

All new heat producing appliances

An all new heat producing appliance does not need the granting of a Building Warrant and the acceptance of a Completion Certificate but it must comply with the relevant Building Regulations.

If you need to alter or install a chimney, flue-pipe or a hearth then a Building Warrant is required.

Balanced flues

A balanced flue serving a room-sealed appliance does not need the granting of a Building Warrant and the acceptance of a Completion Certificate but must comply with the relevant Building Regulations.

A Building Warrant would be required if the flue passes through a combustible wall e.g. in a timber framed house.

Lining a flue

Lining a flue does not need the granting of a Building Warrant and the acceptance of a Completion Certificate but must comply with the relevant Building Regulations.

For example - installing a liner in an old chimney for use with a gas fire.