Works That Do Not Have a Building Warrant
Starting work without a building warrant is an offence and could lead to a fine of up to £5,000. Also, if you sell your property the buyer's solicitor will expect to see that the Council has accepted a Completion Certificate for any alterations that the surveyor highlights in his report. You run the risk of losing a sale should this result in delays.
Completion Certificate Where No Building Warrant Obtained
Where works have been carried out and completed since 1 May 2005 without a Building Warrant, this requires to be regularised by the submission of a Completion Certificate Where No Building Warrant Obtained (often called a Late Completion Certificate). This is essentially the same process as an application for building warrant, including the provision of plans and details, but the fee is 300% of the normal warrant fee.
Similar to the process for applying for a building warrant as described in the 'Applying for a Building Warrant' page, an application for a Completion Certificate Where No Building Warrant Obtained can be made via the eBuilding Standards portal. It is recommended that you engage the services of a suitably qualified person to deal with all aspects of your application.
Letter of Intent
If the works were completed prior to 1 May 2005 the situation can usually be remedied by requesting the issue of a Letter of Intent. The Council’s response will be considered on an individual basis. The charge for a letter is £224.70, however where an inspection is required the charge is £532.35. It is likely that all but the most minor alterations will require an inspection.
To request the issue of a Letter of Intent for building warrantable works carried out prior to 1 May 2005, please send an email to building.standards@inverclyde.gov.uk advising the address of the property, the nature of the works carried out and the date these works were carried out. Someone from the Building Standards team will then get in touch with you to advise how to make payment and arrange a suitable time to carry out an inspection.