Building Reg compliance for historic work

TomOliver

Hi all,
Hoping someone can help. We’re currently in the process of selling my fianc!e's old house and have been asked by the purchaser’s solicitor to supply evidence of building regulation compliance for some historic work she completed with her father in in 2006.


They knocked down an internal wall in 2006 to make a kitchen diner, but needless to say no evidence of building reg compliance was obtained. I wasn’t around at the time but have been told they had a disagreement as to whether the wall was load bearing so put an RSJ beam in. For context the house is a Victorian terrace with all brick internal walls.


My question really is if anyone has any advice about how best to proceed. I’ve googled and come up with a “Regularisation Certificate” but not sure what’s the best approach to take.
Any and all insight would be appreciated.


Thanks

Hoploz

To get one of those some opening up may be required to establish what's underneath, (that is unless there are any photos taken during the work?)

Often buyers will accept a lack of certificate if an indemnity policy is offered, which protects in the case of prosecution by the council. These policies are a waste of money but they seem to be the in thing at the moment, and sometimes a lender won't proceed unless a policy is in place. If you go down this route the buyer would have to do their own survey/investigation and make a decision on whether they are happy it's structurally sound.

System

Find out if the wall is/was structural, if it's not then you can say no permission was required.
If it is, who sized the beam? And do you know what size it is? You may have to open up the ends to prove the size and the bearing is correct but for a single beam it might be worth it over the insurance option

EssexExile

When we sold my late father-in-law's house it transpired that the extension hadn't been signed off by building control. The estate agent contacted the council & a inspector went round, looked about for 5 minutes & supplied the necessary paperwork.
On the other hand when we sold our last house our agent told us the buyers wanted to see a completion certificate for the extension, I told him there wasn't one & they bought it anyway.
It depends how desperate you are to sell to these buyers as to how you proceed.

southcoastrgi

How did they know the wall had been removed ?

chappers

Don't contact BC if you want to go down the indemnity route.
first of all ascertain if the wall was structurally load bearing.
Is there a wall directly above it or floor joists running across it.
My guess is that if it was done 10 years ago and there are no signs of failure then it is fine.

Ectophile

southcoastrgi wrote: »

How did they know the wall had been removed ?

Because there's no wall between the kitchen and dining room?