Can i claim building insurance, if house doesn't have building regulations consent

jcwc1

Hi,

I'm a newbie as a homeowner, i've recently purchased a 3 storey townhouse with the main reception room in the middle floor. Next to the reception room is the landing leading to upstairs that i'd like to knock down and have the whole middle floor open planned. The wall is not a load bearing wall. I have already had a structural engineer in to assess.

I'm currently in the process of obtaining building control consent as i believe it might be presenting a fire risk and may be in breach of some fire regulations, however without spending a whole load of cash leading into the many thousands... there isn't a cost effective solution.

My question, (and it may be a really silly one) is if i was to just knock this wall down without the consent, would i be able to make a building insurance claim in the event of a fire, for example in the kitchen instead of the living room and made some severe damage. I'm presuming if there was ever a fire in the living room that caused severe damage, i would not be able to make any successful buildings insurance claim. I'm not sure of where i stand with this . Am i breaking the law? am i allowed to even do this??

Any help would be appreciated,

forgotmyname

I think your opening yourself up to skipload of hassle.

Structural works required to remove the wall? What if it then doesnt comply with fire regs and you have a fire?

Insurance fail to payout because a firewall would have saved the property? Then the neighbours also sue you for fire/smoke damage?

Is it worth the risk?