Understanding Building Regulations in Scotland

Scottish building regulations protect safety and quality. Before you start work, confirm whether you need planning permission, a building warrant, both—or neither.

Do I need permission?

• Planning permission: affects appearance or use (extensions, dormers, conversions, some outbuildings, conservation areas).
• Building warrant: affects structure or services (load-bearing changes, new stairs, electrical, drainage, insulation upgrades).
• Neither: minor like-for-like repairs and maintenance.

Documents and roles

• Planning permission — from your local council’s planning department.
• Building warrant — from building standards; drawings and specs required.
• Completion certificate — confirms work matches the approved warrant.

Common Scottish standards (quick reference)

• Stairs: typical riser 150–220mm, going 220–300mm; consistent within flight.
• Ventilation: bathrooms ≥ 15 l/s intermittent or equivalent continuous.
• Escape windows: minimum openable area around 0.33m² (check current regs).
• Insulation: U-value targets vary—verify the latest section 6 standards.

Always check current technical handbooks—regulations change. If in doubt, speak to your designer or contractor. Our joiners, roofers and electricians work to Scottish standards.