Extension question

chr15b

Another question after reading a few posts here. Property we’re looking at has a small kitchen extension, I believe the property was built aprox 1930 and this extension was about 10 years later. On the valuation it’s noted that checks will need to be made on that this was done with permission etc. As it was done 70 years ago and the current owner has died, what are the chances of this being an issue. Given the age of it I wasn’t so worried until I had a comment from a survey that it might have been built without proper damp proofing. If it’s not possible to produce documentation for it what is likely to happen?

Thanks
Chris

goldbyron

The seller (or probate solicitor) can take out indemnity insurance to cover any loss of planning permissions....

loubel

Planning and Building Regs aren't an issue. If you're worried about the structure then have a survey carried out and see what it says.

poppysarah

A neighbour's property has a sun room on and it's not been done to building regs so it's cold, makes the house cold and it's had bad damp problems...

JimmyTheWig

In terms of the valuation they're just covering their backs.
Speak to the surveyor and ask why they made the comment about the damp-proof. I.e. did it look like there was a problem, or is it likely due to its age, etc?

lincroft1710

Apart from some city councils, there are very few current councils which existed pre 1974 and the planning depts of many pre 1974 councils were in a right mess. The extension probably predates 1947 Town and Country Planning Act, will not be up to current standards, and no-one will have the slightest idea what the standards were when it was built, so you only have to satisfy yourself that any damp proofing, insulation, electrics etc are adequate and safe and proceed/offer accordingly.

timmyt

chr15b wrote: »

Another question after reading a few posts here. Property we’re looking at has a small kitchen extension, I believe the property was built aprox 1930 and this extension was about 10 years later. On the valuation it’s noted that checks will need to be made on that this was done with permission etc. As it was done 70 years ago and the current owner has died, what are the chances of this being an issue. Given the age of it I wasn’t so worried until I had a comment from a survey that it might have been built without proper damp proofing. If it’s not possible to produce documentation for it what is likely to happen?

Thanks
Chris

your surveyor is an idiot, fact. it is his job to tell you if it is structurally sound, that is why you are paying him. no Council can enforce so there is no issue there, it goes to structural soundness.

idiot surveyor. 70 year old damp proof course....please! get someone in to quote you, though in my view most damp proof companies find things to make money....particulrly in this climate.

your surveyor clearly isn't saying there is an issue, but from a legal point of view there is no issue at all, and your conveynacer will tell you as much.

chr15b

timmyt wrote: »

your surveyor is an idiot, fact. it is his job to tell you if it is structurally sound, that is why you are paying him. no Council can enforce so there is no issue there, it goes to structural soundness.

idiot surveyor. 70 year old damp proof course....please! get someone in to quote you, though in my view most damp proof companies find things to make money....particulrly in this climate.

your surveyor clearly isn't saying there is an issue, but from a legal point of view there is no issue at all, and your conveynacer will tell you as much.

The surveyor sent me a 14 page pdf going into detail all the problems with the structure and current damp proofing. however as my question was relating to a comment made about the planning documentation relating to the structure i was trying to arm myself with info on what else could go wrong at this stage with the legal side before i get too much more financially involved in this purchase. i didnt see much point in going into detail on the damp issues as they werent really related to the question - but thanks anyway.