I bought a house with extension that had no building regs

Doozergirl

FreeBear wrote: »

Depending on how badly this extension was built, it might be cheaper and easier to demolish and start again. I'm wondering if the foundations are deep enough, what insulation is under the slab, and what measures have been taken to ensure ventilation of the suspended floor isn't compromised.

All of that, but I'm wondering if this extension is actually something like an old outrigger that has been converted. It's pretty unusual to find something modern and single skin. Anything's possible though!

smartiedude

So basically, it sounds like that regarding an Indemnity Insurance Policy, this will only provide cover for me against the cost of any expenses or losses resulting from the Local Authority taking enforcement action against me, is that right? There's no come back against this botch-job extension it sounds like, which it what it sounds like the builder I spoke to this morning was going on about.


I am prepared to knock the extension down and have it re-built correctly yes, with planning permission and to current building regs, but if I've got to bite the bullet and pay someone to fix this, I want to make sure I get the right person in for the job. Can anyone give me some advice about sifting out the cowboys, how to identify them and avoid them?

Doozergirl

smartiedude wrote: »

So basically it sounds like that regarding an Indemnity Insurance Policy, this will only provide cover for me against the cost of any expenses or losses resulting from the Local Authority taking enforcement action against me, is that right? There's no come back against this botch-job extension it sounds like.

Yes to the first question.

Did you have a survey? If so, what type?

foxy-stoat

smartiedude wrote: »

So basically it sounds like that regarding an Indemnity Insurance Policy, this will only provide cover for me against the cost of any expenses or losses resulting from the Local Authority taking enforcement action against me, is that right? There's no come back against this botch-job extension it sounds like.

Agreed......

foxy-stoat

smartiedude wrote: »

I am prepared to knock the extension down and have it re-built correctly yes, with planning permission and to current building regs, but if I've got to bite the bullet and pay someone to fix this, I want to make sure I get the right person in for the job. Can anyone give me some advice about sifting out the cowboys, how to identify them and avoid them?

You will need structural engineer, maybe pay for an architect to do basis drawings. They would also know decent builders that may be interested in quoted for the work.

Clutterfree

smartiedude wrote: »

So basically, it sounds like that regarding an Indemnity Insurance Policy, this will only provide cover for me against the cost of any expenses or losses resulting from the Local Authority taking enforcement action against me, is that right? There's no come back against this botch-job extension it sounds like, which it what it sounds like the builder I spoke to this morning was going on about.


I am prepared to knock the extension down and have it re-built correctly yes, with planning permission and to current building regs, but if I've got to bite the bullet and pay someone to fix this, I want to make sure I get the right person in for the job. Can anyone give me some advice about sifting out the cowboys, how to identify them and avoid them?

Re getting a decent builder, it’s always best to get a personal recommendation. Do you know anyone who has had work done recently that you could ask? Or if you already know a plumber, electrician, etc they usually have people the recommend.

Also I must say how refreshing it is that you aren’t playing the blame game and are just trying to sort it out properly.

Doozergirl

smartiedude wrote: »

I am prepared to knock the extension down and have it re-built correctly yes, with planning permission and to current building regs, but if I've got to bite the bullet and pay someone to fix this, I want to make sure I get the right person in for the job. Can anyone give me some advice about sifting out the cowboys, how to identify them and avoid them?

https://www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/choosing-a-builder/

We still haven't established how old it is. Converting an outbuilding is less onerous than a new build extension.

Doozergirl

foxy-stoat wrote: »

You will need structural engineer, maybe pay for an architect to do basis drawings. They would also know decent builders that may be interested in quoted for the work.

What do they need a structural engineer for?

smartiedude

What's the difference between a structural engineer/builder/architect then? Do I need a builder and a structural engineer?


Personal recommendation sounds a good idea - My neighbors across the road have had a lot of work done to their place so I might pop over and ask them.


@Clutterfree - Life is too short to waste blaming/complaining about stuff.

Doozergirl

Could you answer a couple of my questions, please?

People are getting carried away here with zero information and we need to backtrack here. In order to provide proper advice we need proper information.

Did you have a survey? If so, what type? What did that say about the extension?

How old is the extension? I understand you don't know but I have also asked about the age of your house, which will usually be indicated to some extent by the deeds - your copy of the title register from the Land Registry.

You could also describe the house and the extension but a photograph would actually be the most useful thing. You can upload a pic to the internet somewhere and post the link for us and we'll work it out quickly.

No one can tell you exactly what you need until we know what you are dealing with.

You have given us zero indication that you need a structural engineer, so there's little point explaining what one is until we know what you need. Otherwise you're going to get even more confused.