Buiding Regulation for work carried out

NinaSwiss

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction if possible,

On the property I'm buying, Some work was done in 2005 to install patio doors which meant either:

• using existing windows
• or creating new exit in wall to install the patio doors.

I know vendor hasn't got FENSA but is it an issue if building regulations/planning permission wasn't requested to carry out the work? If it is, I'm I right in thinking that indemnity insurance can cover any comeback by local authority on this?

What about the safety element of work done? How can I ensure it has been done safely (i.e correct support materials where used).

My solicitor only asked for FENSA so just checking if anything else needed to be requested.

Fire_Fox

Full structural survey/ structural engineers report? Warranty/ guarantee? Is the builder reputable or shonky, member of professional bodies or not? Building regs covers many aspects of safety.

Thrugelmir

NinaSwiss wrote: »

What about the safety element of work done? How can I ensure it has been done safely (i.e correct support materials where used).

.

That would be my major concern not the council. Building regulations serve a purpose. Those that ignore are likely to cut corners. Particularly for smaller works.

NinaSwiss

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Full structural survey/ structural engineers report? Warranty/ guarantee? Is the builder reputable or shonky, member of professional bodies or not? Building regs covers many aspects of safety.

In the External Joinery section of Full Structural survey it reads:

Windows have been replaced :md are PVCu double glazed
units. They appear relatively modem therefore the validity of
any guarantees should be conñrmed by your conveyancer and
assigned to you on completion. Double glazed units guarantees
are normally Jfor a period of ten years, as the dale of installation
iu unknown we are unable 1.o state whether a PENSA certìñcate
would have. been required. No signs though of any current
problems or areas requiring attention were noted.

It should be borne in mind also that double glazing does have u
limited iife and is prone to deterioration around Lhe edge seals.
This can sometimes be recognised by moisture between the
panes but its presence is very much dependent upon
atmospheric conditions, which are of course variable and so
failure cannot always be diagnosed during a single inspection.

External double glazed doors have also been provided.

At the front., a small porch has been added. This would appear
to be a later addition and there are vertical extension jointsI al.
the junction of the porch walls and the main Jfrom walls and
again areas all appear in sound condition.

I have the warranty for the work done on the front porch but not the windows or patio doors.

There was also no notes on the all 3 work in the local searches.

The paperwork solicitor sent to vendor they did indicate that the windows, patio and front porch had some work done (hence request for FENSA certificate).

Before requesting further checks via solicitor I'm just checking that my thought process is correct as opposed to an over reaction. As there is nothing on the searches (I understand notification to building regulation should appear on searches), what can I do to ensure the work was done safely?

leveller2911

NinaSwiss wrote: »

On the property I'm buying, Some work was done in 2005 to install patio doors which meant either:

• using existing windows
• or creating new exit in wall to install the patio doors.

I know vendor hasn't got FENSA but is it an issue if building regulations/planning permission wasn't requested to carry out the work? If it is, I'm I right in thinking that indemnity insurance can cover any comeback by local authority on this?

What about the safety element of work done? How can I ensure it has been done safely (i.e correct support materials where used).

My solicitor only asked for FENSA so just checking if anything else needed to be requested.

Replacing/fitting new patio doors should have been carried out under either FENSA ( self cert by installers) or a Building Notice (via your local Council). Not everyone is a member of FENSA and having the work done by a FENSA reg company/sole trader does not necessarily mean the work complies with the latest Building regs.Any builder can buy Upvc windows and fit them and not be a member of FENSA but they should apply for a building notice.


Its a tricky one this because most of the work can be checked to see if it complies with regs ,such as use of toughend glass where required,draught excluders, double glazed sealed units complying with Part L but you would need to hack off the plaster etc to see if the lintel complies.

I would check to see if the work as carried out under the Building Notice scheme with your local Council.If it hasn't then ask Building Control for advice on your next step.

NinaSwiss

leveller2911 wrote: »

Replacing/fitting new patio doors should have been carried out under either FENSA ( self cert by installers) or a Building Notice (via your local Council). Not everyone is a member of FENSA and having the work done by a FENSA reg company/sole trader does not necessarily mean the work complies with the latest Building regs.
Its a tricky one this because most of the work can be checked to see if it complies with regs ,such as use of toughend glass where required,draught excluders, double glazed sealed units complying with Part L but you would need to hack off the plaster etc to see if the lintel complies.

I would check to see if the work as carried out under the Building Notice scheme with your local Council.If it hasn't then ask Building Control for advice on your next step.

Mmn
I'm starting to wonder if the previous sale fell through due to the issues I'm now facing as opposed to what E.A told me (broken chain).

Thanks for the pointers though.

leveller2911

NinaSwiss wrote: »

Mmn
I'm starting to wonder if the previous sale fell through due to the issues I'm now facing as opposed to what E.A told me (broken chain).

Thanks for the pointers though.

You could put a lower offer in stating that the work carried out post 2004 cannot be verified that it meets regulations and so you would need to replace the windows ,doors etc and see what they say......At least then you can get the work carried out and have peace of mind.

Nice deposit BTW...........cash is king;)

NinaSwiss

leveller2911 wrote: »

You could put a lower offer in stating that the work carried out post 2004 cannot be verified that it meets regulations and so you would need to replace the windows ,doors etc and see what they say......At least then you can get the work carried out and have peace of mind.

Nice deposit BTW...........cash is king;)

Thanks. I guess I could ask for further discount ... but I could get it for cheap only to have it collapse on me the next day as I might not have enough cash to do the work immediately if it really isn't safe (depending on how much it would cost).

NinaSwiss

Any advise on working out an action plan on this one?

-Get solicitor to request paperwork on work carried out?
However, I suspect this is futile as there is nothing on the searches. Vendor has provided the warranty they've got/could find.

-Commission an inspection to check work comply with building regulations? Do I contact the council for this?

-Maybe get information on the company that carried out the work and find out measures they took to ensure work was complaint?

-Any guidance would be great really.

NinaSwiss

Also would the these have required planning regulation/permission?

• paved patio with drainage (due to sloping garden).
  I suspect this was done in the last 16 years as I spoke to neighbour (other half of semi) who mentioned she was there when it was done.
  (photo 4 in the link below)

• Removing door between living room and kitchen, knocking off some of the walls to create kind of open-plan.
  (photo 3 in the link below)

Link:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-25337802.html
Thanks

casperlarue

NinaSwiss wrote: »

Also would the these have required planning regulation/permission?

• paved patio with drainage (due to sloping garden).
  I suspect this was done in the last 16 years as I spoke to neighbour (other half of semi) who mentioned she was there when it was done.
  (photo 4 in the link below) No planning or building regs required here

• Removing door between living room and kitchen, knocking off some of the walls to create kind of open-plan.
  (photo 3 in the link below) If they have removed part of the wall then there should be a steel beam put in its place to hold up the floor above, would need building regs, or structural engineers calculations at minimum

Link:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-25337802.html
Thanks

Looks like a nice house, but looking a the floor plans....if there was a fire in bedroom 2 and you were in bed 3 would you be able to climb out of the window to escape? Was it originally a 2 bed house that has been re-arranged?