PCC explained
10 Year Structural Warranty (PCC) explained
What a Professional Consultant's Certificate is, who asks for one, how the inspections work and how it compares with an insurance-backed warranty.
Understanding PCCs
What is a Professional Consultant's Certificate?
A PCC is professional confirmation that the construction of a newly built or converted home was monitored by a suitably qualified consultant. It's based on staged inspections and a review of the drawings and evidence, and it confirms the home has been built to an appropriate standard.
You'll also hear it called an architect's certificate, a professional consultant's certificate or simply a 10 year structural warranty. The certificate runs for ten years from completion.
A PCC is typically requested when the property is sold, mortgaged or remortgaged. Lenders and conveyancers want evidence that a new home was properly checked as it was built.
A PCC can be considered for:
- Individual new-build homes and self-builds
- Small residential developments and apartments
- Conversions and change of use to residential
- Substantial refurbishments creating new dwellings
- Part-built projects already under way
- Eligible completed homes (retrospective)
Staged inspections
What gets inspected, and when
Inspections are timed to the key structural stages, before work is covered up.
Foundations
Excavations, ground conditions, foundation depth and concrete before it's poured or covered.
Floor & structure
Ground floor, damp protection, beam and block or slab, and any structural steelwork.
Superstructure
Masonry or frame, lintels, joists, restraint straps and structural connections.
Roof & completion
Trusses, bracing and fixings, then completion evidence and Building Control sign-off.
Important
Is a PCC the same as an insurance-backed warranty?
No. A PCC is a professional certification route backed by the consultant's professional indemnity. An insurance-backed structural warranty is a latent defects insurance policy issued by a warranty provider.
"10 Year Structural Warranty (PCC)" is a common way of describing the certificate, but the exact requirement should always be confirmed for your transaction. If the PCC is for lending, check that your proposed lender accepts one before you proceed.
PCCs and mortgagesWhat we'll ask you for
- Project address and basic details
- Plans and Building Regulations drawings
- Current construction stage
- Building Control approvals and records
- Structural calculations and specifications
- Photos, especially if work has progressed
FAQs
PCC questions answered
What is a PCC warranty?
It's the everyday name for a Professional Consultant's Certificate: a certificate from a suitably qualified consultant who has monitored the home at key stages of the build. It's a professional certificate rather than an insurance policy, and it's typically requested when a new home is sold, mortgaged or remortgaged.
Can I get a PCC after my property has been completed?
Potentially, yes. Eligible completed homes can be assessed retrospectively. Extra drawings, photos, structural information, Building Control records or further inspection may be needed, depending on the circumstances.
Is a PCC an insurance-backed warranty?
No. It's a professional certification route rather than an insurance policy. Whether it's suitable depends on what your lender, buyer or conveyancer requires.
When should I contact you?
Ideally before construction starts, so inspections can be planned at the right stages. If you've already started or finished, contact us anyway and we'll assess the options.
Can a PCC be used for a mortgage?
Many lenders accept PCCs, but criteria vary. Confirm acceptance with the lender or broker before proceeding.
How long does a PCC last?
The certificate covers a period of ten years from the completion of the property.
Do you provide PCC services nationwide?
Yes. We support suitable projects throughout the UK.
Need a 10 Year Structural Warranty (PCC)?
Send your drawings and project details. We'll review what's needed and come back with a clear, fixed quote.