Building regs for through lounge

Nxa219

Hi All

just wanted some advice/opinions

The house we are buying had a wall removed approx 18 years ago to create a through lounge.

The valuation was done on the basis all building regs required were approved.

The planning portal website says load bearing walls being removed require building regs sign off.

I am pretty sure the wall is a load bearing wall, but on the questionaire the solicitor sent out to them they have simple added building regs not required. The local authority council searches show no building regs application or approval just a statement to say the council database isnt linked to the competent persons scheme or something of that nature.

My question is that in the event of no building regs what should be done? I have heard about indemnity policies but they don't seem to cover you for anything. The house seems structurally fine no cracks etc, I was planning on doing some work on it anyway..removal of chimney breasts and kitchen extension etc , so should I in that case be pushing for a reduction in price and seek retrospective building regs approval when i get the other work done once house is bought..as I can expose the beams etc remove plaster as i'll be doing that anyway

any help/advice appreciated. I have raised the matter for the attention of the solicitor

DRP

If it has stood for 18 years presumably it is sound structurally, but you could get a structural engineer to look at it. Also after 18 years you won't be having any problems about building regs.

My experience is that the mortgage co. will expect an indemnity (even though, as you say, they are worth nothing).