Getting an opinion from an EA?

dllive

Hi all,

Im thinkig about converting the loft into a 3rd bedroom (I live in a small 2 bed cottage, so having an extra room would be great for storage). I have no firm plans to move, but will probably look to move in about 3 years.

Before I start the building work, I want to gauge whether I would be best getting everything done to building regs, or whether I make it almost up to building regs. My budget is fairly tight, so Im thinking I could go the full hog and make it a bedroom (in which case Id do it to building regs) OR just get it done to the point where it would offer good storage space - and should the buyers decide to turn it into a bedroom most of the groundwork has been done.

One of the builders said I should get an EA in to have a look and see what they thought would be the best from a "selling" point of view.

What do you think? Would EA's come out to do that?
Thanks

Doozergirl

Not having building regs will add no value. We can all put stuff in our lofts by putting some board and a decent loft ladder up there. If you make it look like a room, people will expect a room. There isn't a halfway house.

What is important is the value of the house now vs the value of the house after a full loft conversion and whether you've made or lost anything in the process.

Annie1960

There is not much point in doing the work without building regs, in fact it could hold up a sale when your future buyer realises you do not have the correct certificates. Many sales fall through for exactly this reason.

Hoploz

If you're going to do it, do it properly and get the certificate.

you say a buyer could convert it to a bedroom because you'd have done the ground work. That's exactly what you wouldn't have done though!

eddddy

dllive wrote: »

... Would EA's come out to do that?

Yes - the local independent EAs would do that where I am.

They say they are happy to do it to build up goodwill, in the hope that they get the business eventually.

(Maybe just suggest that you are thinking of selling within the next 12 months or so.)

anselld

dllive wrote: »

One of the builders said I should get an EA in to have a look and see what they thought would be the best from a "selling" point of view.

What do you think? Would EA's come out to do that?
Thanks

Why would you value the opinion of an EA? They will probably just tell you what they think you want to hear with absolutely no knowledge of the required regulations.

Do it properly or not at all.

Pixie5740

Putting aside whether or not a hooky loft conversion would affect the value of your home have you considered why building regulations exist? Building regulations exist to help ensure the safety of you and your family. I can't believe you'd consider using a hooky loft conversion to create another bedroom. Do it properly or not at all.

dllive

OK, thanks guys. Ill do it to full building regs.

This brings up another concern - I moved the bathroom from downstairs to upstairs and didnt get building regs (I was very naive at the time and believed the builders when they said they would do it to building reg... which they may have done, I dont know). I would rather get this all sorted now rather than leave it until I decide to move (whenever that may be).

What are the likely costs I can expect to get someone out to survey it and get the right certificates? Would I go to a building surveyor? (Apologies, I know Im going slightly off topic now).
Thanks

anselld

You need to contact Building Control at the Council ...
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/howtogetapproval/howtogetapproval/bcpresiteapproval/regularisation