Buying house with conservatory with no Building Regulations (removed internal doors)

heffsta99

I am in process of buying a house that has a new conservatory (2 years old). We had a survey done and it is noted that Building regulations should have inspected it due to the internal doors and windows removed between house and conservatory, making it almost an extension. The sellers dont have Building Regs. The surveyor said it was built well and couldnt see issues other than it not being insulated as well as a proper extension would be. They do have underfloor heating in conservatory. 
My question is, would you you ask for a reduction in price or walk away or just go ahead with it, and get the sellers to get insurance to cover the work? We wouldnt want to close up the openings, as what attracted us to the house is the open plan nature of it.
Here is a photo of the conservatory to show you the two big openings created between house and conservatory.

[Deleted User]

How much do you like the house? And how long are you planning on staying? If I were in your position and loved the house and could see myself living there a long time, I wouldn’t ask for a price reduction as I may change it over time or just live with it, and then maybe stick some cheap doors on if I wanted to move eventually?

ciderboy2009

It looks fantastic but I hate to think what the winter heating bills are going to be like.

OldMusicGuy

Key thing is to find out what is supporting the walls IMO, especially if they widened the openings. If they can prove they have the right spec of lintel in the openings, I wouldn't be too worried, especially if your surveyor says it looks ok. If they can't provide invoices/detailed description of the work, it's a risk you take. You could always try a cheeky offer on that basis. 

We created an opening in an internal wall in our last house and never got building regs for that (never thought it would be required) but we had the receipt for the work which showed the size and spec of lintel that had been installed. That seemed to satisfy any potential purchasers. 

davidmcn

What would be the justification for a reduction in price? You're buying what you viewed. The council are, realistically, never going to knock on the door and ask you to "fix" it. And you don't want to fix it. You (or the vendor) could get indemnity insurance (which might be mandatory if you're buying with a mortgage), but that only covers the risk of the council knocking the door, and would be a trivial cost (say £100).

Mickygg

Our conservatory even with a radiator is freezing in the winter. We need the doors closed to keep the house warm. I would look at the rads and check there will be sufficient heat. In any case you will have higher heating Bills. 
Get indemnity insurance that will solve any issue with cost for future inspections.
When you come to sell just remember this issue will come up again and future buyers may not be so keen.
The heat issue would put me off more than no building regs. I dont think there is much justification for asking for money off, get them to pay for indemnity insurance. 
If I loved the house I may proceed but just how cold will it get in the winter? 

Jeepers_Creepers

On which side of the house is that garden room? I'd lay odds that the solar gain from all that proper double-glazing would more than offset any increased energy costs for the few coldest, darkest winter days - it could well be a net benefit.  

Even in wintertime you get bright and sunny days - that room should soak it all up. 

macman

The surveyor cannot see what is now supporting (or not supporting) that external wall: his inspection is purely visual.
With such a new extension, I'd be asking the vendors just why they failed to get BR approval? 

AdrianC

That's how it was when you saw the EA details.
That's how it was when you viewed.
That's how you WANT it to be...

So to ask for a discount...? Well, you can always ask, but as a vendor I'd tell you where to get off.

heffsta99

AdrianC said:

That's how it was when you saw the EA details.
That's how it was when you viewed.
That's how you WANT it to be...

So to ask for a discount...? Well, you can always ask, but as a vendor I'd tell you where to get off.

I understand but, we liked it as it is and with the understanding that everything is up to standard, or at least been checked by authorities. We offered based on that. Not having approval changes things. 
The conservatory is NorthWest facing so, does get some winter sun but not much.

davidmcn

heffsta99 said:

AdrianC said:

That's how it was when you saw the EA details.
That's how it was when you viewed.
That's how you WANT it to be...

So to ask for a discount...? Well, you can always ask, but as a vendor I'd tell you where to get off.

I understand but, we liked it as it is and with the understanding that everything is up to standard, or at least been checked by authorities. We offered based on that. Not having approval changes things.

It doesn't really, unless your surveyor spots some sort of defect which actually needs to be fixed. A bit of paper saying the council looked at it does not add to the value of the property.