Single skim wall shown up on Survey. Problem?

ITtim

Just had my home buyers report back today, Its been noted that the front extension (which comprises of single height porch/Dining room wall) is built with 100mm brick single skin. (ie no cavity) The extension was done in and around the late eighties to early nineties. Would this have passed the planning permissions of the time? My solicitor is seeking details but I'm concerned that its not legal and also that its going to be a problem to rectify.

I have a builder in the family, is it just a case of an internal stud wall?

ITtim

Edit to say thread title should read SKIN (its been a long day)

casperlarue

I have the same construction to the utility room off my kitchen. Not a problem, just the walls do feel colder. Easiest solution is to ask relative if they could kindly put up some insulated board and skim over the top.

ITtim

Thanks for the reply, Is it likely to have conformed with building regs at the time?

PasturesNew

It's not a problem - but many mortgage lenders might insist it's changed within 1-2 months of you moving in and they might withhold some of the mortgage until it's been done.

But, there are some straight forward ways to resolve it, using some special board stuff (that I don't know the first thing about, except I know it exists).

ITtim

The mortgage company have already offered the mortgage and done their valuation/survey so thats not an issue. My main concern is if its all above board. If it didn't get done with building regs etc should I be looking to walk away?

Fire_Fox

ITtim wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, Is it likely to have conformed with building regs at the time?

Ring the Planning department and ask!

G_M

After 20 odd years no one is going to care - except perhaps you.

As said above, it will be colder than if it was a double skin insulated wall, but its up to you whether you are prepared to live with that, want to spen a bit of cash insulating as advised above, or whether it's a deal-breaker to you.

There are 10s of 000s of houses round the country entirely built of single skin.

Davesnave

G_M wrote: »

There are 10s of 000s of houses round the country entirely built of single skin.

Yes, but not 100mm thick! 9" thick was usual with the brick bonds then used, which is approx 225mm in today's money. Outhouses and similar might have been that thin.

Having extended my own house in the late 80s, I can say that it would not have met building regs then in force. However, it's correct to say that the council wouldn't be interested in enforcement now and that there are relatively inexpensive solutions.

kingstreet

It's likely the only implications you'll find come with the future marketing of the property when you decide to sell.

vivatifosi

When I bought, my house had a similar problem at survey. My solicitor insisted that the previous homeowner bought an indemnity insurance. Insulating board could also be used to bring up to spec.