What is a Professional Consultants Certificate?
A PCC is a professional certificate relating to the construction of a property. It may be requested by a mortgage lender, conveyancer, purchaser or professional adviser where a property is newly built, converted or substantially refurbished.
It is issued by an appropriately qualified consultant following an agreed scope of technical review and inspection. A PCC is not an insurance policy and should not be confused with an insurance-backed structural warranty.
How the PCC process works
Initial enquiry
Provide the address, construction type, number of units, current stage and intended completion date.
Project review
SCPC considers whether a PCC route is potentially suitable and identifies initial information required.
Scope and proposal
You receive a clear quotation, inspection approach, information requirements and principal limitations.
Technical review
Relevant drawings, structural information, specifications, approvals and specialist evidence are reviewed.
Construction-stage inspections
Suitable inspections are undertaken while important parts of the work remain visible.
Completion review
The substantially completed property and relevant completion documentation are considered.
Certification
Subject to satisfactory inspection, information and completion, the certificate can be considered for issue.
Typical inspection stages
The number and timing of inspections depend on project size, complexity, construction type and the stage at which SCPC is appointed.
Already started or complete?
Contact SCPC as early as possible. Where work has been covered before inspection, additional photographs, Building Control records, engineers’ information, testing, investigation or opening-up may be required.
A final visit alone cannot verify every concealed element. Retrospective certification is assessed project by project and cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PCC the same as an architect’s certificate?
The terms are sometimes used informally for similar professional certification, but the actual wording and consultant eligibility must be checked against the relying party’s requirements.
Discuss this service with SCPC →Does a PCC provide a guarantee?
No. It is professional certification, not an insurance-backed guarantee or warranty.
Discuss this service with SCPC →Will every mortgage lender accept a PCC?
No. Lenders can set their own requirements for qualifications, wording, insurance, inspections, development size and construction type.
Discuss this service with SCPC →Does a PCC replace Building Regulations approval?
No. The statutory Building Regulations process remains separately required.
Discuss this service with SCPC →Can SCPC consider multi-unit developments?
Yes, subject to project scope and suitability. The inspection and certification strategy should ideally be agreed before construction begins.
Discuss this service with SCPC →Start a conversation
Need independent advice on a construction project?
Tell SCPC what you are planning, where the project is and its current stage. You will receive a clear response on suitability and next steps.