How the Building Standards system works
The Building Standards system ensures that work on new and existing buildings meets the requirements set out in the building regulations and aims to:
- protect the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings
- promote energy efficiency and sustainable development
Building regulations apply to
- the construction of new buildings
- alterations and extensions to existing buildings
- the conversion of a building (for example, changing a house into a hotel)
Technical standards
The regulations are supported by technical standards covering:
- structural stability and suitability of materials
- fire safety (including escape routes and firefighting facilities)
- ventilation, drainage, energy efficiency and electrical safety
- protection from dampness, condensation and noise
- access to and use of buildings
The current technical standards can be viewed on the Building Standards Division pages of the Scottish Government website.
What we do
We:
- assess and approve building warrant applications
- carry out site inspections during construction
- consider completion certificate submissions when work is finished
- take enforcement action on unauthorised works and dangerous or defective buildings
Support for applicants
We provide additional services to support applicants through the building warrant process, including:
- pre-application discussions
- processing agreements
- consideration of alternative design solutions