Confused as to which improvements need building inspector

thestens · 1 February 2014 at 12:44AM

We are in the process of buying a house which had quite a lot of work done on it. Plans were submitted to council, but work wasn't signed off. This was between 2004 and 2011. Vendors say it is because they never actually finished everything they had planned to do. We now want them to get it signed off but what should be and what doesn't need to be? I know the new windows aren't FENSA so they need approval, also a multi fuel stove. There is also a new staircase, 2 remodeled bathrooms, kitchen moved to another room, and utility room moved.
I feel this may be a big problem - we are worried about resale if we buy it with no sign offs. Any suggestions??

MisterBaxter · 1 February 2014 at 6:17AM

Just give your local building control team a call, they will explain exactly what completion certificates you require. As a general rule the seller will be told that they need these before either solicitor will allow the contracts to be exchanged. There are insurance policies that can be bought to cover any non-approved work should the building control decide that the works aren't up to scratch after the purchase, your solicitor will know about this an assist.

My wife works in building control and it is not uncommon for a seller or their solicitor to raise issues like this, usually the day before completion and then expect a certificate to be issued without inspection or payment of the necessary fees.

If possible you are better getting the completion certificates issued before completion of the sale.

As you've already noted the windows will need approval if the installer wasn't FENSA approved. the kitchen/bathrooms may need approval if the work involved structural alterations or major drainage works. Not sure about the stove as it's not something I really know too much about but if there is gas involved the installer would need to be CORGI or Gas Safe accredited depending on how long ago/recently the appliance was installed.