Completing a self-build project is a significant achievement, but the journey doesn’t end with the final nail being hammered in. To officially recognise the successful completion of your build and ensure compliance with building regulations, you need to obtain a Certificate of Completion.
This document is crucial for confirming that your new home is safe and legally recognised. AC Architects are here to give you an overview of the Completion Certificate process and give you our top tips for securing one in good time.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COMPLETION CERTIFICATE?
The Certificate of Completion is issued by your local authority’s building control department or your private approved inspector, confirming that your project has been constructed, demolished or converted in accordance with the relevant building warrant and complies with the building regulations. It is the responsibility of the ‘relevant person’ (which would be the self-builder in this case) to build to the regulations and then confirm this by submitting a Completion Certificate. You can find the form on your local authority website.
If you’re unsure of how to build to the regulations or how to apply for a certificate, you can employ your architect, or another suitably qualified professional, to act as your ‘agent’ on your behalf. A Completion Certificate must be submitted before the expiry of the Warrant, which is normally 3 years.
It is an offence to occupy a new home, conversion or an extension unless the completion certificate has been accepted. It is, however, possible to obtain permission for temporary occupation for a specified period, known as Partial Completion from your building control officer. Prevention of occupation does not apply to buildings being altered, but a Completion Certificate must still be submitted to building control.
Once the Form 5 (Scottish Completion Certificate form) or the required documents for a full or partial completion in England and Wales have been uploaded, an inspection will be arranged by the verifier to approve the Completion Certificate.
DOES THE CERTIFICATE MEAN MY SELF-BUILD IS COMPLETE?
Not necessarily. You can apply for a Completion Certificate before some of the work has been completed (such as the landscaping or painting) It is crucial that this is discussed with your building control officer prior to submitting the Completion Certificate. However, all the services, drainage and safety commissioning certificates should be complete.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IF DON'T GET A CERTIFICATE?
Without a certificate of completion, you may face challenges if you ever decide to sell the property or try to secure a mortgage.
If you submit your request for a certificate and are rejected, the verifier must provide a reason for this rejection. Before the completion certificate can be re-submitted, you may require Amendment to the Warrant drawings, though your design team will help you with this.
There is no application fee in Scotland currently, but there may be a fee from the agent, if the relevant person requests the agent to submit the certificate and accompanying documentation. However, in England, it currently costs £216 to apply for a full or partial completion certificate.
HOW LONG DOES THE VERIFICATION PROCESS TAKE?
The verifier must provide a response within 14 days of your submission. However, if remedial work is required, the process may take a little longer. You should discuss this with your building control officer to ensure you're on the same page.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION?
So, when the time comes to actually apply for your certificate, what do you need? It’s important to note that the submission should be made by the self-builder or their employed agent. The required information in your submission varies depending on the country and if verifiers require additional supporting information based on the nature and complexity of your self-build. Here are the things you should expect to include:
- A completion stage Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- A Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report in England or A Building Regulations Wales Part L (BRWL) in Wales
- A Sustainability Statement in Scotland, which is a detailed report showing your strategy for meeting the standards set out in your local authority’s planning policy. This would also include your PHPP calculations if aiming for the Passive House standard
- Completion Stage SAP
- Form Q for your structure if required in Scotland
- Water efficiency calculation in England
- Commissioning of Fire Detection systems
- Commissioning of Gas Systems
- A hot water storage installation certificate, showing the installation was carried out by a ‘competent person’
- Flow rate commissioning for all mechanical ventilation within the dwelling
- Drainage test results for above and below ground
- Air permeability and pressure testing results
- Notice of completion of other fixed building services commissioning (e.g. air/ground source heat pumps, etc.)
- An electrical certificate to show your electrical installation has been inspected and tested
- Quick Start Guide/Operating and Maintenance Instructions for owners
OUR ADVICE TO SELF BUILDERS
Getting a Completion Certificate for your new home is one of the final steps in the long and arduous self-build journey, so it’s important it’s done right. Here’s a few tips from our architects to ensure no issues with your certificate:
- Firstly, familiarise yourself with local building regulations and standards. Any issues brought up by previous inspections should be ironed out before any verifiers come
- Don’t shy away from rolling up your sleeves and ensuring the sits is nice and tidy before the verifier visits the site
- Don’t skip out on getting one in the first place!
Additional information about Certificates of Completion can be found here:
- For Scotland
- For England
- For Wales
- For Northern Ireland
Unsure about any aspect of the Completion Certificate process? Maybe you have more questions? If so, do not hesitate to get in contact with us!
