Building regulations permissions

Completion Certificate

A completion certificate is the formal submission made when work covered by a Scottish building warrant is finished, confirming that the completed work complies with the warrant and applicable building standards.

The relevant local authority verifier assesses the submission and may inspect the work or request supporting evidence before accepting it. The accepted certificate is the important record that closes the warrant process. The Scottish Government's building standards guidance provides further information on Scotland's verification and building standards system.

Changes made during construction may need to be reflected in an amendment rather than left to the completion stage. Photographs, test certificates and specialist documentation should be gathered as the project progresses where required. The City of Edinburgh Council's guidance on building warrants explains the local process for warrants, amendments and completion documentation.

Owners should retain the accepted completion documentation because it may be needed for future alterations, insurance or a property sale. Finishing the building work does not by itself complete the statutory process. Further guidance on completion certificates and the building warrant process is available from the Scottish Government.

Property types

Commonly found in

Tenement Georgian Townhouse Victorian Villa Terraced House Traditional Cottage Georgian Flat Converted Flat Detached House Semi-detached House

Building glossary

Related building terms

Planning Drawings Planning Application Planning Permission Building Standards

Guides & advice

Related guides

Electrical, Plumbing And Heating (Project Coordination) Building Warrant Edinburgh Guide | City of Edinburgh Council Process Explained

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