Loft coversion asked to be paid by bacs

System

sean9461 wrote: »

What do you define as a loft "CONVERSION". As I have everything that would be a loft conversion other than a complete fixed staircase and a window. Everything else, boarded, insulated eaves, structural floors. Where's the line?

It's not like this costs 1 grand. The full setup is 5600

It only becomes a conversion if it complies with all the regulations to make it a conversion, if it doesn't comply with any of the regs it can't be defined as a conversion

sean9461

I have just been on the phone to building control and they have confirmed that what they are doing is WRONG.

It may be structurally sound but they don't determine that. Building control does. And just the fact that the floor has been strengthened means they treat it as a habitable room.

The argument is if it was just a storage room why strengthen floor. They state it is classed as habitable to them so what I have been told by company is wrong and building control specifically stated do NOT hand over any money until they come out and take a look.

And if they decide it does definitely need an application the company has just cost me an extra 600 quid. I went with the quote I got as I had a budget for it atm I don't want to go over that budget urrgh

bmthmark

sean9461 wrote: »

I have just been on the phone to building control and they have confirmed that what they are doing is WRONG.

It may be structurally sound but they don't determine that. Building control does. And just the fact that the floor has been strengthened means they treat it as a habitable room.

The argument is if it was just a storage room why strengthen floor. They state it is classed as habitable to them so what I have been told by company is wrong and building control specifically stated do NOT hand over any money until they come out and take a look.

And if they decide it does definitely need an application the company has just cost me an extra 600 quid. I went with the quote I got as I had a budget for it atm I don't want to go over that budget urrgh

Sensible move ringing them before paying any money.

Just curious did you go for the deluxe option? http://eco-lofts.co.uk/packages/deluxe-package/

Only reason i'm asking is because it says you get building control certificate. If you did go for it, it makes me wander why they didn't contact building control from the beginning.

Doozergirl

sean9461 wrote: »

I have just been on the phone to building control and they have confirmed that what they are doing is WRONG.

It may be structurally sound but they don't determine that. Building control does. And just the fact that the floor has been strengthened means they treat it as a habitable room.

The argument is if it was just a storage room why strengthen floor. They state it is classed as habitable to them so what I have been told by company is wrong and building control specifically stated do NOT hand over any money until they come out and take a look.

And if they decide it does definitely need an application the company has just cost me an extra 600 quid. I went with the quote I got as I had a budget for it atm I don't want to go over that budget urrgh

Thank you for calling building control.

I am having such a busy work day but I am concerned for you.

Please listen to r_sole and Furts, they are two of the most knowledgeable posters on this board. I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about as well. Silver surfer is wrong. Well intentioned, but wrong.

If you can get a visit from building control do that, but I think an independent structural engineer is now essential.

Do not pay them until this mess starts to unravel.

theonlywayisup

Just echoing the great advice given by Doozergirl and those she also quotes.

Do not feel bullied or forced into paying. Explain you aren't refusing to pay but have been advised BC need to inspect first. Do not part with any money.

Silver-Surfer_2

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Just echoing the great advice given by Doozergirl and those she also quotes.

Do not feel bullied or forced into paying. Explain you aren't refusing to pay but have been advised BC need to inspect first. Do not part with any money.

I can see this ending in an expensive legal battle.

theonlywayisup

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

I can see this ending in an expensive legal battle.

Why? I am not suggesting the op doesn't pay, just that he doesn't pay until it's been checked that what they have done is correct.

And the op certainly should not be bullied into paying today.

Doozergirl

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

I can see this ending in an expensive legal battle.

I don't. Thankfully the OP didn't pay on your advice.

Silver-Surfer_2

Doozergirl wrote: »

I don't. Thankfully the OP didn't pay on your advice.

Do you really think this company are going to forget the five grand?

Doozergirl

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Do you really think this company are going to forget the five grand?

No. But I think when presented with the facts from the correct professionals, they'll be making anything right before expecting payment.

What they have done may comply. We'll find out.