Buying extended house, extension was not signed off by building regs

DanM1701

We are in the process of buying a house which was significantly altered and extended back in 2016. We had a structural survey done which didn't raise anything of concern and planning permission was granted for the works and we have the paperwork to verify at least that much.

The problem is that they never got the completed works signed off on, which is utterly baffling to me given the expense, time and effort they've put in. The house is being bought for £525k and whilst I'm sure the signing off is probably a formality that will simply line the councils pockets I am not comfortable making an investment of this size without everything being signed off.

I guess my question is what are our options now? We have a cash buyer on our side who is desperate to complete in the next 4 to 6 weeks so I'm wondering is there a way to proceed without building regs sign off that indemnifies us against any problems or can building regs not come out and sign off now. If they did, wondering how long that will all take. I'm quite frustrated at the sellers now, I find it pretty insane that they didn't do this already and let us get to this advanced stage of the process without flagging it as a potential issue from the start.

Thanks for reading

Doozergirl

Have they applied for the building regulations approval?

If they have and it's just a final inspection, it's likely to be a formality that can be dealt with in days. No cost, no drama.

specialhat

How long ago did they do the extension?

#ETA: 2016! Sorry. It may be too late for it to be signed off but it's worth checking. They may be able to get indemnity insurance if not.

Doozergirl

specialhat wrote: »

How long ago did they do the extension?

#ETA: 2016! Sorry. It may be too late for it to be signed off but it's worth checking. They may be able to get indemnity insurance if not.

I'm not sure about that. It can take people years to finish a project. 2016 isn't that long!

specialhat

That's why I only said it may be too late.

FreeBear

Doozergirl wrote: »

It can take people years to finish a project. 2016 isn't that long!

Some can take a lifetime to complete, just occasionally, a bit longer. The story of May Savidge and her efforts to rebuild Ware Hall House is astounding, and a task that was finally completed by her daugter-in-law.

lincroft1710

DanM1701 wrote: »

whilst I'm sure the signing off is probably a formality that will simply line the councils pockets

When BR was applied for, the fee paid should have included final signing off. The fees charged would make make little if any profit for a council. Be aware that it will only be signed off if the BR have been adhered to.