Professional Consultant's Certificate (PCC)
10 Year Structural Warranty for new builds & conversions
PCCs for self-builders, small developers and conversions across the UK. Staged inspections while you build, and retrospective certificates for homes that are already finished, so your sale or mortgage can go ahead.
- UK-wide coverage
- Already built? Retrospective PCCs
- Fixed quotes, one point of contact
Who it's for
Cover for every type of residential build
Whether you're about to break ground, halfway through, or already finished, there's usually a route to a PCC.
New builds & self-builds
Individual homes and self-build projects, with staged inspections from foundations to completion.
Find out moreResidential developments
Small housing schemes, apartments and multi-unit projects, from technical review to final sign-off.
Find out moreConversions
Barn conversions, change of use and substantial refurbishments that create new dwellings.
Find out moreAlready built?
Part-built or completed and no warranty in place? Eligible homes can be assessed retrospectively.
Retrospective PCCThe certificate
What is a 10 Year Structural Warranty (PCC)?
A Professional Consultant's Certificate confirms that a suitably qualified professional has monitored the construction of a home at key stages and, based on those inspections and the information available, considers it built to an appropriate standard.
It's usually asked for when a newly built or converted home is sold or mortgaged. Lenders, buyers and conveyancers want evidence that the build was checked, and a PCC is one of the recognised ways to provide it, particularly for self-builds and smaller projects.
PCC explained in fullYou'll typically need one if:
- You're selling a new build or converted home
- Your buyer's mortgage lender asks for one
- You're remortgaging a home you built
- You're self-building with a staged mortgage
- A solicitor has flagged a missing warranty
- You've finished and never arranged cover
Lender requirements vary. If the PCC is for a mortgage, check the lender will accept one; we can help you ask the right questions.
How it works
From enquiry to certificate in five clear steps
- 01
Send your details
Address, drawings and how far the build has got. It takes two minutes.
- 02
Technical review
We review the design information and confirm exactly what's needed, with a fixed quote.
- 03
Staged inspections
Site visits at key stages: foundations, floor, superstructure and roof.
- 04
Final review
Completion evidence, photos and Building Control sign-off are checked.
- 05
PCC issued
Your certificate is issued, ready for your solicitor, buyer or lender.
Retrospective PCC
Finished building with no warranty in place?
It happens more often than you'd think, and it's often only noticed when a sale or mortgage is already under way. Eligible part-built and completed homes can still be assessed.
Because some work is now covered up, we'll need more evidence, and sometimes some opening-up, to establish how the home was built. We'll tell you exactly what's needed before you commit.
Evidence that helps
- Approved plans and Building Regulations drawings
- Dated construction photographs
- Structural calculations and details
- Building Control inspection records
- Product and material information
- Completion certificate (if issued)
- Access for further inspection or opening-up
Real inspections
Rugby Road, Burbage: inspected stage by stage
A new-build home inspected from the foundation trench to the finished roof.
Know the difference
PCC or insurance-backed warranty?
Both are used to satisfy lenders on new homes, but they're different products. Here's the honest comparison.
PCC (Professional Consultant's Certificate)
- Professional certification backed by the consultant's own indemnity
- Well suited to self-builds, single homes and conversions
- Retrospective route for eligible completed homes
- Often the more cost-effective option for small projects
Insurance-backed structural warranty
- A latent defects insurance policy from a warranty provider
- Common on larger developer sites
- Normally must be registered before work starts
- Can be harder to get once a build is finished
Not sure which your buyer or lender needs? Tell us who's asking and we'll point you in the right direction.
More than a PCC
The other things your build needs, from one team
Most projects need more than one technical service. Ask for any of these alongside your PCC and keep it all in one conversation.
FAQs
10 Year Structural Warranty (PCC) questions
What is a Professional Consultant's Certificate (PCC)?
A PCC is issued by a suitably qualified professional who has monitored the construction of a property at key stages. It confirms that, based on those inspections and the information available, the property has been built to an appropriate standard. It's often called a 10 year structural warranty or architect's certificate.
Is a PCC the same as a structural warranty?
Not exactly. A PCC is a professional certification route, while insurance-backed warranties are latent defects insurance policies. Both are used for lending on new homes. The right one depends on what your lender, buyer or conveyancer will accept, so it's worth confirming before you start.
Can I get a PCC if my home is already finished?
Often, yes. Eligible completed and part-built homes can be assessed retrospectively. We'll need more evidence, such as drawings, dated photos, structural calculations and Building Control records, and sometimes further inspection or opening-up. See our retrospective PCC guide.
Will a mortgage lender accept a PCC?
Many UK lenders accept a PCC for new builds and conversions, particularly self-builds, but criteria vary between lenders and products. If the certificate is for a mortgage, confirm acceptance with the lender or broker first. Our PCC for a mortgage page explains what to ask.
When should I arrange my PCC?
Ideally before work starts, so inspections can be booked at the right stages. If you're already building, get in touch straight away: the sooner we're involved, the less retrospective evidence is needed.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes. We support self-builders, developers and conversion projects throughout the UK.
How much does a PCC cost?
It depends on the size of the project, the number of units and how far the build has got. Send your drawings and details and we'll give you a fixed, no-obligation quote.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your build
Send a few details and any drawings you have. We'll review the project and come back with what's needed and a fixed price.
- 02475 095700
- enquiries@onestopconsult.co.uk
- Projects covered UK-wide