How do I get building control docs please

Invicta

About 6 years ago we had an extension built above our porch.


Through a firm of local architects we made a planning application to the local borough council which was passed. The builders came and a chap from building control inspected.


Upon completion of the work we paid the architect and the builders (who have since ceased trading) and our youngest son has used the extension which was part of his existing bedroom.


We have now sold our house STC and move out on the 29th Oct and have just found out that we need to provide a copy of the planning consent and building control sign off.
I have contacted the building control department who tell me the work was never signed off. Apparently they need to send someone round.
They also tell me that I need to contact their colleagues in the planning department separately to get a copy of the consent.


We assumed (especially as 6 years have passed) as we paid both the architect and builders when the work was completed that was the end of it and all associated paperwork was in order & finalised. To the best of our knowledge we have never had a copy of either documents but we didn't know that we should until now.


Can anyone tell me the best/speediest course of action as we are moving over 150 miles away in 3 weeks time and both of us work full time.


Any advice will be very much appreciated,
Bern

Foxy-Stoat_3

Assuming the BCO made visits when appropriate, then its just a matter of them making a final inspection and writing you out a certificate, once they are happy to sign the works off.

If they haven't made inspections to see foundations, cavity wall insulation etc then you may have problems.

Speak to your local BCO for advise and timescales.

booksurr

if you are already at the stage of having a move out date then presumably you have exchanged contracts with your purchaser. At which point why do you still need to produce the paperwork. If you have exchanged then is it on condition that you produce the paperwork, if not why bother as they cannot now pull out of the purchase?

pmlindyloo

booksurr wrote: »

if you are already at the stage of having a move out date then presumably you have exchanged contracts with your purchaser. At which point why do you still need to produce the paperwork. If you have exchanged then is it on condition that you produce the paperwork, if not why bother as they cannot now pull out of the purchase?

He says STC (subject to contract ) so guess he hasn't exchanged yet. Not sure this is going to happen as quickly as he thinks.

If the building control inspector can't do it quickly enough then offer indemnity insurance.

Yorkie1

pmlindyloo wrote: »

He says STC (subject to contract ) so guess he hasn't exchanged yet. Not sure this is going to happen as quickly as he thinks.

If the building control inspector can't do it quickly enough then offer indemnity insurance.

Indemnity insurance won't be available as the council is now on notice.

Invicta

Thank you for the replies.


We are subject to contract.


Having now contacted building control they are sending an official to inspect.


Who would normally action this Building Control final inspection request?


It seems crazy that this was not done as soon as the work was completed and before we paid off the architect and builder not 6 years later e.g. If we never sold the house would there never be a building control sign off?


We await the BC visit with interest,
Bern

Thrugelmir

Invicta wrote: »

It seems crazy that this was not done as soon as the work was completed and before we paid off the architect and builder not 6 years later e.g. If we never sold the house would there never be a building control sign off?

I wouldn't have paid the builder (made a retention) until final sign off.

Invicta

We thought we had covered this by not paying until the work was completed and the architect had advised us that all was complete. The architect acted as the project manager.
We thought Building Control's function was to ensure that the porch foundation would take the weight before work started. Neither the BC Officer who came and gave the go ahead, the Architect or the builder told us we needed to get BC to sign it off when the work was finished.
How are we as an uninformed client supposed to know how a building control process works, isn't this down to the professionals involved to inform us?
Bern

Foxy-Stoat_3

Invicta wrote: »

We thought we had covered this by not paying until the work was completed and the architect had advised us that all was complete. The architect acted as the project manager.
We thought Building Control's function was to ensure that the porch foundation would take the weight before work started. Neither the BC Officer who came and gave the go ahead, the Architect or the builder told us we needed to get BC to sign it off when the work was finished.
How are we as an uninformed client supposed to know how a building control process works, isn't this down to the professionals involved to inform us?
Bern

Architect, or Project Administrator should of informed you the correct process. They should of handed you all documents, BCO sign off, electrical certificates and any manuals for the works carried out once complete.

Hopefully this was just overlooked by the builder at the time.

theGrinch

BCO usually issue a letter at the start to the person/organisation named on the application. With that is a step by step guide as to the stages.

Like you I was pretty uninformed when we started our extension but I made it my business to get informed rather than trust builders and agents. I digress.

As said, if its all been done properly then a final inspection and a sign off should be it. It other stages have been skipped then you will have a heap of problems.

mgdavid

Invicta wrote: »

We thought we had covered this by not paying until the work was completed and the architect had advised us that all was complete. The architect acted as the project manager.
......

so what did the architect say when you asked them for copies of the documents?