Glasgow Converted Garage without building warrant and need to sell

1840rugby

My garage was converted without a building warrant, the garage hasn't changed in size at all but now a basically a room not that we use it for that it's used as a office space. We didn't get a building warrant now we want to sell the house but unsure what to do.

1 Should we have got a warrant?
2 Can we get one after the fact?
3 How will this affect us selling the house?
4 What can we do?

Any help would be appreciated.

davidmcn

Probably did require a building warrant, depends what exactly you did to it. How long ago did you do the work? If not too recently then can probably be covered by an indemnity policy. If too recently then you might be able to get one retrospectively. Buyers will almost certainly want one or the other.

molerat

1. Yes, a garage conversion needs building regs approval.
2. When was it converted ?
a) If before 2005 then apply for a Letter of Comfort, https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/letters-of-comfort your council will likely have similar on their planning site.
b) If later you can get a retrospective warrant at a cost of 2 - 3 times the usual cost providing you can supply all the plans, some uncovering work may be needed for inspection.
c) Get an indemnity which will cover the costs should the council take action.
3. A garage conversion is an obvious modification and any conveyancer will want to know it is done to regs or there is no chance of being chased by the council.

ProDave

Convert it back to a garage.

baldelectrician

1840rugby wrote: »

My garage was converted without a building warrant, the garage hasn't changed in size at all but now a basically a room not that we use it for that it's used as a office space. We didn't get a building warrant now we want to sell the house but unsure what to do.

1 Should we have got a warrant?
Yes
2 Can we get one after the fact?
Yes
3 How will this affect us selling the house?
Will hold up sale
4 What can we do?
Get a warrant

Any help would be appreciated.

In other parts of the UK if it lasts 7 years then it's usually fine

In Scotland this is not the case- you will have to comply with the building standards that apply ON THE DAY THE COUNCIL FIND OUT.
So if you do a non building standard compliant conversion in 2006 and they find out about it in 2017 then you have to comply to the more stringent recent regulations.

You will probably need

• Additional mains powered interlinked smoke detectors
• Possible new heat detector in kitchen
• An electrical certificate
• Ensure any spots are fire rated
• Ensure any spots are LED lamps