Loft conversion with building regs

nerd2

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a house with a significant loft conversion - the roof line has been completely altered with a new flat roof and two bedrooms up there (making it a 4-bed house).

The work has building regs signed off with the council - the question is, should I be asking any other questions? Should I get the property checked over by a structural engineer? Should I get the architect's drawings or SE plans checked over by a SE?

Thanks all!
-N

Fire_Fox

Welcome! If it has planning permission (if required) and building regs that is fine. But the rest of the house needs a survey as normal - full structural if an older property or in poor condition, homebuyers if newer.

nerd2

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Welcome! If it has planning permission (if required) and building regs that is fine. But the rest of the house needs a survey as normal - full structural if an older property or in poor condition, homebuyers if newer.

Thanks! Good to be here!

Yeah it has planning and regs I think. We've had a full survey (it's older). Is the summary basically that it's standard to trust the council's building regs that the work was done properly?

Fire_Fox

nerd2 wrote: »

Thanks! Good to be here!

Yeah it has planning and regs I think. We've had a full survey (it's older). Is the summary basically that it's standard to trust the council's building regs that the work was done properly?

I believe so, you can have the most amazing plans but if they were not followed they are useless. Building regs means there has been some inspection as the work was ongoing so they have seen 'behind the scenes'. Not perfect, nothing is, but if the roof was starting to cave in because it wasn't properly supported your surveyor should spot that so he is your second check.

You might also find out what company did the work and if they are members of any trade bodies (eg. Federation of Master Builders) or if the warranty is insurance backed so valid even if the company folds.