Works done w/out building regs

Mover555

Hello, I'm selling a house in which I've put in a new roof window and new patio doors in the dining room. In both cases I was replacing old, single skin versions.

I think I needed to get building regulations to do the works - didn't realise at the time.

What should I do? Play catch up and declare the works done on a retrospective application or just not declare it on the property information form to my solicitor?

Advice appreciated.

Madbags

On the place we bought, our solicitor noticed the Boiler did not adhere to building regs, 'nor did an inside (non-load bearing) wall which was knocked down to create an en-suite dressing room.


Their solicitor had to provide some kind of form and I've forgotten the name of it now, (but someone on here should know) which we signed to say that we were happy to buy the place regardless.

Mover555

Thanks madbags, that's useful to know.

With our changes, I know they would pass a BR inspection as they are good quality brand new windows. I just don't really see the point of paying the council to say that.

I might just leave it to the buyer's solicitor to question if they wish.

Madbags

As long as your buyers are happy that when they own it, it's their responsibility from then on and you cannot be held liabile for anything that goes wrong due to them not being up to BR.


Our solicitor (and us as well) was quite happy that this would not affect the mortgage, or the structure of the house, or any insurances so it was fine.


Bear in mind the solicitors have the lenders best interests in mind as well, not just the clients, so they may be instructed to perform a survey before exchange.

somethingcorporate

You may end up needing to pay for an indemnity policy for your buyers, we had to when we couldn't find the paperwork for the loft conversion (if there was any, it was done years before we bought the place).

It wasn't that expensive, I think it was around £200 two years ago.

Madbags

somethingcorporate wrote: »

You may end up needing to pay for an indemnity policy for your buyers, we had to when we couldn't find the paperwork for the loft conversion (if there was any, it was done years before we bought the place).

It wasn't that expensive, I think it was around £200 two years ago.

That's what I was looking for, indemnity policy!


Thanks somethingcorporate

jodles16

We had to get an indemnity policy when selling our old house, think it was less than £200 though it may depend on what needs covering I guess! Your solicitors should sort it out for you!

Jodles

pinkteapot

Be open and pay for an indemnity policy.

Don't try and get away with not mentioning it on the PIF, or claiming the work was done before you had the house, or similar. If the buyers find out in the future that you lied on the PIF you'll have a much bigger headache.

Mover555

Thanks all for the advice, I'll put the right info on the PIF - I don't want to get into trouble and am happy to pay £200 for a policy to cover it. My main concern was that it was going to be a time consuming process and a headache to get retrospective approval.

Can anyone tell me what the indemnity policy means and how much work it covers? e.g. do I need one for each piece of work?

Rollinghills

I might be wrong but as far as I know the indemnity policy only covers the buyer against the council enforcement , ie the council saying you have to change whatever was done back to the previous state. That is extremely unlikely in cases like this so indemnity policy is essentially worthless except to make the mortgage company / solicitors happy.
It will come down to whether the buyer doesn't see this is a big issue. Some may not like it and may even insist on retrospective approval. You know the quality of the work was good but they would have to take your word for it.

Morgage_Confused

You dont need any type of permission for a skylight as far as I know?