Getting buildings regulation approval after work is complete

blackie_newport

Hi, I have recently bought a house with a loft conversion, the previous occupant did not get building regulation approval for it.

As I am a first time buyer I have no experience with this, am I able to get this after it has been done and be able to call it a habitable room?

Any advice appreciated

blackie

cattie

It will depend if it's a proper loft conversion that has had the flooring beams replaced/strengthend to permit it to be used as a bedroom, or if it's just a cheap conversion enabling it to be used as a hobby room only. It won't be able to be classified as a habitable room if it's not a full & proper conversion.

Did you buy the house via an estate agent & if so was the loft room referred to as a proper extra bedroom? It shouldn't have been without proper paperwork to show that the necessary consents were obtained & the building works signed off.

Did the previous owners leave you any paperwork to show what the works carried out on the loft were?

Proper loft conversions need to have a fixed staircase, a fire door & means of escape via an accessible window.

You can phone your local council if you are unsure & ask their opinion.

blackie_newport

Thanks for the reply cattie.

It was a repossessed house so haven't really got much to go on with getting info from the previous owner. The house was only sold as 3 bedrooms but I do know the person who did the conversion so I can find out the answers to your questions.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!