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Problems Buying a Renovated Period House
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sparklejay
Posts: 5 Forumite
We are in the process of buying an 1850s house that has undergone major renovations in the last couple of years; new roof, new chimney, electrical re-wire, new central heating system, plumbing, boiler & radiators, damp proofing as well as new windows, kitchen and a relocation of the new bathroom.
From the offer acceptance date in Nov 16 we have requested supporting documentation from both the vendors solicitors and the vendors estate agent in terms of warranties, certs, appropriate building permissions etc.
There seems to have been much confusion with both our solicitor and the vendor's solicitor/estate agent over what we were requesting and this information has not been forthcoming. On the local searches only a couple of minor works were listed, which the vendor has provided the supporting documentation for. None of the major works are listed in the searches nor has the paperwork materialised. Several excuses and diversions later we are now two months in and have reached a brick wall.
Our solicitor seems to be unsure of why we want the supporting documentation even though we have explained the situation regarding the recent major renovations to them many times in what is a period property, and that what was presented in the property particulars and advised by the agent has yet to be proven. The vendors estate agent has said the vendor will provide the paperwork many times, and this never occurs. Our solicitor is pushing to exchange and we keep reminding them that we cannot go further until the major works have been accounted for.
We feel that the documentation doesn't exist, although from our visual inspection we can see the kitchen/bathroom has been done, and that a new roof has been done at some stage, although everything else below the plaster work is unseen/unconfirmed. We also do not know who has done the work. From this we can only presume that we have been lied to by the vendor / estate agent. We were told that all works were carried out by registered competent builders and that all certs/warranties were in place. But given that none of this has shown up on the searches or from the vendor in two months, this does not bode well.
Does anyone have any advice on this? It feels as if our solicitor does not seem to be working on our behalf, as they keep questioning what documentation we are expecting, as if what we are asking for is being unreasonable. We have emailed them many many times outlining the situation to no avail (phone calls not permitted). Can it be this difficult to a) get proof of works or b) be told that the works were not carried out, or carried out by an unregistered builder. We have asked this question many times without an official response. We do not know where the root of all of this lies.....
From the offer acceptance date in Nov 16 we have requested supporting documentation from both the vendors solicitors and the vendors estate agent in terms of warranties, certs, appropriate building permissions etc.
There seems to have been much confusion with both our solicitor and the vendor's solicitor/estate agent over what we were requesting and this information has not been forthcoming. On the local searches only a couple of minor works were listed, which the vendor has provided the supporting documentation for. None of the major works are listed in the searches nor has the paperwork materialised. Several excuses and diversions later we are now two months in and have reached a brick wall.
Our solicitor seems to be unsure of why we want the supporting documentation even though we have explained the situation regarding the recent major renovations to them many times in what is a period property, and that what was presented in the property particulars and advised by the agent has yet to be proven. The vendors estate agent has said the vendor will provide the paperwork many times, and this never occurs. Our solicitor is pushing to exchange and we keep reminding them that we cannot go further until the major works have been accounted for.
We feel that the documentation doesn't exist, although from our visual inspection we can see the kitchen/bathroom has been done, and that a new roof has been done at some stage, although everything else below the plaster work is unseen/unconfirmed. We also do not know who has done the work. From this we can only presume that we have been lied to by the vendor / estate agent. We were told that all works were carried out by registered competent builders and that all certs/warranties were in place. But given that none of this has shown up on the searches or from the vendor in two months, this does not bode well.
Does anyone have any advice on this? It feels as if our solicitor does not seem to be working on our behalf, as they keep questioning what documentation we are expecting, as if what we are asking for is being unreasonable. We have emailed them many many times outlining the situation to no avail (phone calls not permitted). Can it be this difficult to a) get proof of works or b) be told that the works were not carried out, or carried out by an unregistered builder. We have asked this question many times without an official response. We do not know where the root of all of this lies.....
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Comments
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Is your solicitor from the Estate agent?
they work for you, so really should listen to your concerns"It is prudent when shopping for something important, not to limit yourself to Pound land/Estate Agents"
G_M/ Bowlhead99 RIP0 -
I am sorry I don't understand your question, could you explain please? Thank you.0
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Why is your solicitor pushing you to exchange if you have outstanding queries?
I your situation, I'd say provide all relevant certifications by [date] or the sale is off. I'd communicate this through their estate agent rather than solicitors.
It sounds like it could be a case of DIY or cash in hand jobs from dodgy tradesman."Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius0 -
What exactly is the paperwork which you think is lacking? You are taking into account that not all works require statutory consents?0
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Doozergirl wrote: »And what is a 'registered builder' exactly?
I presumed they meant someone registered with the competent persons scheme. In which case, providing invoices from those people would evidence that regulations have been met."Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius0 -
I presumed they meant someone registered with the competent persons scheme. In which case, providing invoices from those people would evidence that regulations have been met.
Would it?
I'm sure the only evidence that buioding regs have been met, where they apply, is a building regs certificate. Or an official cert from an approved gas engineer or electrician.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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I presumed they meant someone registered with the competent persons scheme. In which case, providing invoices from those people would evidence that regulations have been met.
That's for gas and electric, though. There is no such scheme for builders.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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I think there is a scheme for roofers as well. Not sure about other trades. The gov.uk site is as clear as mud (as usual)."Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius0
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OK, so the paperwork isn't forthcoming.
The work's probably been done long enough that Building Control won't be chasing it up. So... The ball is in your court. Walk away, or buy without the paperwork.0
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