Homebuyers report

SR1

Hi i have just recieved my homebuyers report on the house i am hoping to buy. It uses traffic lights, the only red things are electric and gas supply. Am i right in assuming that it would be normal for a surveyor to highlight these as he is not qualified to judge on them? I certainly dont have any certificates on my own electrics.

Ciderarmy1987

SR1 wrote: »

Hi i have just recieved my homebuyers report on the house i am hoping to buy. It uses traffic lights, the only red things are electric and gas supply. Am i right in assuming that it would be normal for a surveyor to highlight these as he is not qualified to judge on them? I certainly dont have any certificates on my own electrics.

I suppose that it would depend on the wording, maybe you could post the exact wording and others on here are good at giving advice. At the moment their isnt much info for people to go on

G_M

Depends what he says about them.

If he says "the 1950s fuse box is falling off the wall and looks lethal" that seems a bit dodgy.

If he says "The consumer unit should be inspected by a qualified electrician" that means "seems OK but I'm not an electrician!"

SR1

It just says the wires and fittings appear to be of modern design but a qualified electrician should be appointed to make a further inspection

SR1

Also, there is an extension at the back it's says alterations have been made to the structure including removing internal walls and chimney breast! Legal advisor to confirm local authority ApprOvals where obtained and complied with! There will be complications if u proceed without the relevant Documentation for works carried out.

Is this referring to planning permision or building regs? Am i going to need to obtain building regs certificates for the extension? This was done approx 1999,

Southend1

SR1 wrote: »

Also, there is an extension at the back it's says alterations have been made to the structure including removing internal walls and chimney breast! Legal advisor to confirm local authority ApprOvals where obtained and complied with! There will be complications if u proceed without the relevant Documentation for works carried out.

Is this referring to planning permision or building regs? Am i going to need to obtain building regs certificates for the extension? This was done approx 1999,

You can get an indemnity for the building regs. I believe planning permission doesn't matter now if it was as long ago as 1999. Just check the remaining chimney is properly supported.

bclark

SR1 wrote: »

Also, there is an extension at the back it's says alterations have been made to the structure including removing internal walls and chimney breast! Legal advisor to confirm local authority ApprOvals where obtained and complied with! There will be complications if u proceed without the relevant Documentation for works carried out.

Is this referring to planning permision or building regs? Am i going to need to obtain building regs certificates for the extension? This was done approx 1999,

It's just telling you to get your solicitor to check they have the right approvals, they may have it all.

SR1

Can u tell me abit more about building regs? If the extension was done in say 1999 would it have needed to be signed off? Should there be some sort of certificate?
Would lack of building regs compliance affect getting a mortgage and insurance on the property?

bclark

SR1 wrote: »

Can u tell me abit more about building regs? If the extension was done in say 1999 would it have needed to be signed off? Should there be some sort of certificate?
Would lack of building regs compliance affect getting a mortgage and insurance on the property?

There should probably be a certificate although the exact standards could be different depending own when it was done, I am not expert.

It wouldn't affect mortgage or insurance and you can get the vendors to buy an indemnity policy which should protect you.

Planning would be the bigger issue if that was not done, if it should have been.

G_M

SR1 wrote: »

It just says the wires and fittings appear to be of modern design but a qualified electrician should be appointed to make a further inspection

So basically it looks OK..
Up to you if you want a Sparkie to take a look - at your cost.

Planning & Building Control. There are 3 related issues:
1) Are you personally happy to live there?
2) Might the council take enforcement action?
3) Will the mortgage lender accept it & lend the £?

Planning
I guess you like the house, so 1) is OK.
There are time limits on enforcement after 'continuous non-compliance'. Depending on the type of breach these are either 4 or 10 years. If the extension was 1999 then, let's see.....??? (unless it is a Listed Building - no limit.) So 2) is OK
Mortgage lenders are mad. They often ignore the enforcement limits above and make a fuss. But you can get an insurance indemnity policy that pays out if enforcement action is taken (it won't be so it is wasted money, but it gets you the mortgage!)

Building Control certification.
2) and 3) are as above, except that the time limit is 1 (yes ONE) year.

The major issue, then, is are you personally happy to live in a house with an extension that might not comply with Building Regs? The foundations might be too shallow - it'll collapse. The roof structure might be too weak for the weight of the roof - and collapse one day. The chimney might be inadequately supported....... then there are lesser things like insufficient insulation etc

So you need a surveyor, or structural engineer, to specifically check the extension for safety.

SR1

Thanks for the replies, I'm sure it has planning permission as I have found the entry on the council website, regarding building regs, how do I find out if it was signed off for building regs, is this a council matter too ?