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Completion certificate


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Completion certificate

Last updated | 27/10/2011

Completion Certificate

A Completion Certificate is a document you must submit to Building Standards for acceptance ('verification') once you are satisfied that all building work is complete in accordance with the approved plans and specifications -  Please note that this applies to building warrants applied for after May 2005 [under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003].

When to submit a Completion Certificate

You should only submit your Completion Certificate once you are satisfied that all works for which you have been given consent are completed in accordance with the approved plans, specifications and in accordance with the building regulations.
Please note:

  • general internal decoration work such as painting and wallpapering does not have to be completed, if you are in any doubt please contact Building Standards for advice.
  • if you have deviated away from the approved plans you should not submit a completion certificate until such time as an amendment to warrant has been approved.

How to submit a Completion Certificate for verification

  1. Applications for verification of acceptance of a completion certificate must be made on the prescribed application form [PDF: 60Kb] which is sent out with the building warrant - if you have mislaid the form, it can be downloaded using the link above or can be uplifted from the reception in Pullar House.
  2. The completion certificate must be completed by the "Relevant Person" which by definition is the owner, tenant or their authorised agent, it can no longer be signed by a third party such as the builder.
  3. The completion certificate is an important document by which you are confirming to us that the work is fully complete in accordance with the approved plans, specifications and in accordance with building regulations. Clearly you should not complete the form until you are satisfied that this is the case.
  4. The form may be posted or handed in to Pullar House, alternatively you can call and arrange for an inspection at which time the form can be uplifted by the Building Standards Surveyor.
  5. If electrical work has been carried out, you must also submit an electrical compliance certificate. Ideally this should be in the form of a Certificate of Construction under schemes operated by SELECT or NICEIC. In any event the certificate must be from an electrical contractor who is deemed a competent person. This is described as someone who is a member of a UKAS accredited trade body such as NICEIC and SELECT.
  6. Remember that your warrant is valid for 3 years and we will not consider the submission of a completion certificate unless there is a valid warrant.

What happens once you have made the application?

  1. We try to avoid cold calling so unless you have phoned for an appointment, a Building Standards Surveyor will contact you to arrange a time that is suitable.
  2. We are obliged to respond to your request within 14 days. If you haven't heard from us within that timescale please phone for an update. 
  3. We will require to inspect all parts of the alteration, extension or new building, so where applicable, please ensure that the roofspace and solum space below floors, is accessible.
  4. If work is satisfactory the completion certificate acceptance will be issued, we endeavour to do so within 4 days.

What happens if the work is found to be incomplete?

  1. If it is found that minor snagging work is required before a completion can be accepted, your request will be deferred and you will be given an opportunity to rectify outstanding matters within an agreed period, normally up to 28 days.
  2. If it is found that the work to be completed is significant or is not in accordance with approved plans or specifications, thus requiring an amendment of warrant, your completion certificate will be formally refused.
  3. In the case of (1) above, you must call the Building Standards Surveyor to arrange a re-visit once work is complete. If you do not respond within the agreed timescale, your completion will be formally refused.
  4. If your completion certificate has been formally refused, you will have to submit a new completion certificate once the amendment is approved/ work is all complete.
  5. If you are aggrieved by the decision to refuse the completion certificate you can appeal to the sheriff as long as you do so within 21 days of the refusal.

What do I do with my Completion Certificate acceptance?

The completion certificate acceptance is a very important document and should be kept in a safe place. We would recommend you keep this document, together with the building warrant and stamped approved plans, with your title deeds.