Verification
Verification of the compliance of building works with Scottish Building Regulations is undertaken by the 32 Scottish local authorities in their role as Verifiers.
The work of verification has two main elements:
- checking that building plans comply with regulations when an application is made for a building warrant, and
- undertaking reasonable inquiries to verify that the building work complies with the approved plans, details and with regulations.
Responsibility for compliance with the building regulations lies with the relevant person (usually the owner or developer). It is their responsibility to frame proposals to build in accordance with minimum standards and they should employ suitably qualified persons to assist them in these regards.
The inspection of building work in progress is an important part of the building standards procedure. However it must be stressed that inspections are to protect the public interest in terms of compliance with building regulations, not to ensure that all the work is constructed as the person paying for the work would want it.
Therefore, any checks made by a Verifier do not remove any responsibility from the relevant person who is required to certify all the completed work as being in accordance with the approved plans, details and building regulations by the submission of a Completion Certificate to the Verifier. In signing the Completion Certificate the relevant person is declaring that any work has been carried out in accordance with the approved building warrant plans and in addition also confirms work complies with building regulations.
The supervision of building work is the responsibility of the building owner or developer who should appoint a building professional to supervise the work to ensure the standard of workmanship is satisfactory and meets the building regulations.
The Scottish Governments expectations on service delivery by a verifier is defined under the Key Performance Framework Handbook and by the Verification During Construction Handbooks - Domestic and Non-Domestic