House with Loft Conversion - no knowledge of Building Regulations

JB19882015

I wondered if somebody could help. I know there are probably a fair few posts on this sort of subject but I'm still unsure.


I recently viewed a property, which I loved, but it has an "attic room". The current owners say they don't know why the "attic room" could not be described as an additional bedroom, as the work was done by previous owners and that they have never looked into it any further.


I don't mind if the attic room could never be an additional bedroom, but the lack of clarity and the fact that it may not pass/have passed building regulations does cause me some concern.


My questions are:


1. How can I find out if the loft conversion has a building regulations certificate or meets buildings regulations?


2. If the loft conversion doesn't meet building regulations, what are the options?


Thanks in advance

Hoploz

Some councils have building regs applications publicly searchable online. Sometimes your solicitor can tell whether an application has been submitted.

It isn't recommended to directly ask the council as if it has not been done an indemnity policy can be purchased to cover you, but only if the council is not made aware.

To find out whether it was built to a particular standard would mean opening up to check the floor joists etc, which could be done later if you needed to know. You'd need to evaluate fire regs as well. The seller is unlikely to choose to do this as it would mean disruption.

The easiest option is to take the indemnity and continue using it as an attic room. Any indemnity you get can be passed on when you sell.

gastroboy

The rules regarding loft conversions changed recently so "attic rooms" could be done without permission (depending on the local council) and building regs were only needed for "livable" space. If it's just loft boards and some carpet and is mainly for storage, then I believe that's not livable space. If they use it as a regular lounge/tv/games room then building regs might be needed.

Also, as Hoploz said, you can get insurance/indemnity policy but it's invalid if you tell the council.