Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC)

A cost-effective alternative to a structural warranty

Why Choose a PCC?

  • Cheaper Alternative: More affordable than a 10-Year Structural Warranty.
  • Instant Quote: Quick and approved quotes available.
  • No Developer Liability/Defects Period: Eliminates extended liability periods for developers.
  • Upgrade Options: Easily upgrade to our 10-Year Structural Warranty at any point, even post-construction.
  • Flexible Terms: Choose between 6 or 10-year coverage options.

What is a Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC)?

Previously known as an Architect’s Certificate or CML Certificate, the Professional Consultants Certificate is an industry-standard document recognized by UK Finance for newly built or converted properties. It is essential for:

  • Mortgage Approval: Required by mortgage lenders to confirm that construction adheres to acceptable building standards.
  • Re-mortgaging: Proof of building compliance when refinancing.
  • Selling or Renting: Necessary for Buy-to-Let mortgages.

A PCC is valid for 6 years from the date of certification and is issued after a final inspection by a qualified surveyor upon satisfactory completion of the works.

Why Choose MSR Surveying for PCCs?

RICS Accredited

As a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) registered company, we deliver professional and trustworthy services.

Widely Accepted

Our certificates are accepted by most banks and building societies.

Comprehensive Inspections

Surveys carried out by highly qualified chartered surveyors.

Our PCC Process

  • Initial Documentation: Provide planning permissions, ground condition surveys, structural/technical data, building regulation approvals, and construction dates.
  • Site Visits: We conduct inspections at key construction stages or post-completion (for completed properties).
  • Certification: Receive a PCC after a thorough final inspection of the property.

FAQs

What is a professional consultants certificate?

A Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC) confirms that a building project has been constructed to a satisfactory standard with appropriate materials and workmanship and is in general compliance with UK Building Regulations. A PCC is approved by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) and is often a requirement where there is lending on a project. A Professional Consultants Certificate was previously known as an ‘Architects Certificate’.

A PCC is issued for any new-build, converted or extensively renovated property and confirms the project was checked at key stages of the build.

A PCC is issued by a professional consultant that has appropriate experience in the design and/or monitoring of construction or conversion of residential buildings. A PCC can be issued for a 6 or 10 year period. A warranty is an insurance product with cover for 10 years and has a 2 year defects liability period for the developer. There is no defects liability period for a PCC.

A PCC can be as much as 50% less than a warranty but this is subject to the location, type of construction and build costs associated with the project. Details of the project will be required to be submitted to enable a fee proposal to be offered.

The nature of PCC’s require site inspections from the commencement of construction through to practical completion. So we always recommend to engage as early as possible but no later then when you appoint your Building Control Body. If retrospective cover is required for your project a warranty provider should be consulted.

Yes a PCC can be issued to a developer and can be relied upon by first and subsequent purchasers for the remaining period of the certificate.

Cover is provided commensurate to risk and build costs. This will be stated on the Professional Consultants Certificate itself.

Yes, the majority of lenders do accept PCCs because they are UK CML Finance Approved. However, in each case we would recommend you check with your lender before committing to a PCC because lenders requirements do change. 

Building Regulations Approval is issued under ‘The Building Regulations’ and primary Legislation ‘The Building Act’. Whilst this approval satisfies UK law, lenders do not accept this approval alone for their lending security. A PCC is relied upon by a lender and subsequent lenders through successive sales of the property within the period of cover and therefore remains essential for lender compliance in addition to Building Regulations approval.

Upgrade to a 10-Year Structural Warranty

For extended coverage, easily upgrade to a 10-Year Structural Warranty, available even for completed properties. Get in touch to discuss your needs.

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