Would you buy a house with no building regs?

andybranford

I've just found out that the vendor is saying he didn't need building regs for the amount of work that he has done. But the garage has been converted into a room with ensuite so this doesnt make sense?

Fire_Fox

I thought you didn't want to get an indemnity policy? Put your questions to the vendor in writing, they are far less likely to lie to or mislead you.

andybranford

The reason i didnt want to get indemnity insurance is from what i understand it doesnt cover you for insurance purposes so if the house burnt down i effectivly wouldnt be covered. Its a very high risk to take on dont you think?

bigchrissyg

Had a similar situation with a property we almost exchanged on. 1/2 the house didn't have building regs. Indemnity just protects you from the council knocking at the door asking you to rectify... although after 1yr they can't do a lot so it's pretty worthless.

It doesn't mean it's safe, habitable space! So any offer should reflect this.

Our surveyor said in these circumstances (it's very common!), you need to make sure you state to the insurer that you require cover for extensions that do not have building regs. Something like an 'all eventualities covered'... I mentioned this to Direct Line and they were ok with it on quotation.

If you like the place, you can get a cert of regularisation, but it might be a little invasive. But perhaps you can reduce any offer to compensate, and in fact, bare in mind it may not even be possible!

It's annoying that people skip this,... getting a bit of paper saves a lot of time and makes a lot of value. Most importantly makes sure its safe!

casperlarue

If you are right that the work was done around 3 years ago then that *may* have needed planning permission too, if the external appearance of the property changed. ie. from a garage door to a window. Have you found any details of planning being granted for the works?

An en-suite being added would mean connecting into drains, if the job was done 'on the cheap' I too would be concerned about the standard of workmanship.

andybranford

I dont think planning permition is needed as the conversion didnt include any changes to the structure. The garage door is still there, a wall has been built a metre behind the garage door and the conversion is behind that new wall. There is however a second kitchen within that conversion.

Im thinking of getting a building survey. Would anyone recommend this?