Definition of Recently regarding building work

UKSBD

I had a valuer around and one of the questions he asked was, has it had any alterations done recently?

It was modernised in about 1990 (20+ years) would that be classed as recently?

AlexMac

I hope a valuer can advise, but until then, I'd apply common sense and say 'recently' is only the last few years. The questions which will matter will be those, later, from the buyers solicitor and which will be more precise.

For example when I last sold a flat, I had a Q from the vendor's solicitor about whether any windows had been replaced since 2001, as if so there would have been a need for a certificate (from a registered installer or Building Control) of 'FENSA' compliance with Building Regulations which came into effect on the 1st April 2002.

So I wouldn't worry.

UKSBD

Thanks,
It was only a valuation for a further advance so I'm not worried.

It just got me thinking though if ever I do sell will it be a problem?

I've read a few posts on here recently where people have been either buying or selling but have had problems over not having the correct paperwork for building work.

Would they still want to see paperwork for work done 20+ years ago?

paddedjohn

If the house was built in the 60's then 1990 isn't recently but if the house was built in 1675 the 1990 is recent.

eddddy

UKSBD wrote: »

Thanks,
It was only a valuation for a further advance so I'm not worried.

It just got me thinking though if ever I do sell will it be a problem?

I've read a few posts on here recently where people have been either buying or selling but have had problems over not having the correct paperwork for building work.

Would they still want to see paperwork for work done 20+ years ago?

Hi UKSBD

I suspect the explanation is far simpler than you imagine...

Your mortgage co will probably be using a national firm to do the valuation, and it is very likely that the valuer who visited you came a long distance. So he/she doesn't really know your area.

So probably, the valuer will look at what you paid for the property and add/subtract a percentage based on general house price changes in the area.... Unless you have done any building work, like converted the loft, built an extension etc. In which case, he/she might up the valuation a bit. (Hence the question!)

I believe that some mortgage companies don't even bother sending a valuer for 'further advance' applications. They just do a 'desk based' valuation calculation to determine whether it's safe to lend the extra money.

Perhaps the main reason for sending a valuer is to make sure you haven't let the property deteriorate in a way that would impact its value. (e.g. rotten roof joists, rotten window frames, damp due to leaking gutters etc.)

UKSBD

Thanks,

I wasn't particulary asking in relation to the valuation, he was happy with me just saying, nothing done in the past 15 - 20 years.

I was thinking more about how you answer when you come to sell, would a question like *have you done alterations recently* be asked or would it be more specifivc questions (as in AlexMac's example)?

dollydaydream78

HELP!! not sure if posting in the correct place here. I urgently need some advice. I am currently applying for a BTL mortgage on my current home and the valuer has requested a FENSA certificate. I contacted the imstaller who says I can't get one after the fact and to contact the council, however the same man extended the dorma on my house without building regs (he said were mot necessary at the time as a small percentage extension I am now feeling very vulnerable (and silly) If i contatct LA re windows if they come to inspect they will ask re dorma. wouls an indemnity policy cover me and should I get this beofre i phone the la??

Mozette

UKSBD wrote: »

Thanks,
It was only a valuation for a further advance so I'm not worried.

It just got me thinking though if ever I do sell will it be a problem?

I've read a few posts on here recently where people have been either buying or selling but have had problems over not having the correct paperwork for building work.

Would they still want to see paperwork for work done 20+ years ago?

When I bought my house there had been some work done at some point at least 10 years previous. I paid a one off insurance premium (?) I can't remember how much, but it wasn't a lot, and that was that.

_Andy_

UKSBD wrote: »

I had a valuer around and one of the questions he asked was, has it had any alterations done recently?

It was modernised in about 1990 (20+ years) would that be classed as recently?

What did he say when you asked him?

Yorkie1

dollydaydream78 wrote: »

HELP!! not sure if posting in the correct place here. I urgently need some advice. I am currently applying for a BTL mortgage on my current home and the valuer has requested a FENSA certificate. I contacted the imstaller who says I can't get one after the fact and to contact the council, however the same man extended the dorma on my house without building regs (he said were mot necessary at the time as a small percentage extension I am now feeling very vulnerable (and silly) If i contatct LA re windows if they come to inspect they will ask re dorma. wouls an indemnity policy cover me and should I get this beofre i phone the la??

Hi and welcome to the forum.

You need to start your own thread, please - or your replies will get muddled up with those of the original poster and their query.

UKSBD

_Andy_ wrote: »

What did he say when you asked him?

He was fine with my vague "It was modenised 15 - 20 years ago"

The valuation wasn't why I asked the question though, it was more about what I'm asked if I ever come to sell, would a vague reply like that be acceptable then?