Loft space...advice please.

Richard_Webster

why did they go to the effort of putting in a staircase, window, electrics and heating and not apply for planning permission?

Probably because Planning Permission has got nothing to do with it.

Can we get our terminology right here. In the vast majority of cases the issue with loft conversions is Building Regulations not Planning.

It is, unfortunately, not necessarily safe. If the loft structure has been weaked by removing structural members then the eaves of the roof might be spreading outwards and trying to push the walls with them.

That could be the case if it is newer house with preassembled triangular roof truss units but an older style roof wouldn't have these but would have rafters supported on purlins at the side and it wouldn't be necessary to remove much in the way of supports.

Owain_Moneysaver

Richard_Webster wrote: »

That could be the case if it is newer house with preassembled triangular roof truss units but an older style roof wouldn't have these but would have rafters supported on purlins at the side and it wouldn't be necessary to remove much in the way of supports.

It wouldn't be necessary to remove much in the way of supports to cause the purlins to start pulling the gable end walls inwards.

minirolo2004

It is not being advertised as an extra bedroom, just loft space, and yes, I believe the asking price is reasonable for the area. I contacted the estate agent today to voice my concerns and have basically said I want the vendors to prove to me it is safe and gain any building regs that are required for the work they have done. Waiting for the agents to get back to me. I'm going for a 2nd viewing on Friday, so, hopefully they won't be surprised by my questions. I'd rather find all this stuff out now as opposed to when I've had a structural survey - the earlier the better for all parties to come to a resolution I think.

Thanks to all who have commented so far.

Fire_Fox

To get building regs approval the vendors will need to have the underlying structure inspected which means removing any plasterboard that has been affixed or floorboards that have been laid. Basically it will be more work to satisfy you that it is safe than they have probably done on the 'conversion' in the first place! The vendors may think they can get away with just selling it as loft space but they have caused themselves and any unsuspecting buyer no end of headaches.

minirolo2004

Fire_Fox wrote: »

To get building regs approval the vendors will need to have the underlying structure inspected which means removing any plasterboard that has been affixed or floorboards that have been laid. Basically it will be more work to satisfy you that it is safe than they have probably done on the 'conversion' in the first place! The vendors may think they can get away with just selling it as loft space but they have caused themselves and any unsuspecting buyer no end of headaches.

You never know - they might have all the building regs already in place! I suspect not though sadly..however, if they are willing to have them put in place, I'm not in any great rush..if not, then I will have to look elsewhere. I'm glad I did some digging however, rather than have the ceiling fall on my head.