Risk of missing documents

fountainradar

Hi,

This is for a detached house in England.

There was an extension done (maybe over 20 years) and there is no paperwork for it. Nothing has showed up in the searches either.
The chimney stack is removed. Whilst this may not require consent from neighbours as the property is detached, there are no drawings or supporting information for this job being done correctly.
Finally, some works were performed on the walls (noted by the surveyor). The seller can't recollect (as she has dementia) the details of the work.

How do people tackle such situations?

davidmcn

You get your surveyor to inspect and tell you whether there is anything to worry about. Paperwork from 20+ years ago isn't particularly relevant (and doesn't prove that nothing else has been done, or that the property hasn't deteriorated since then).

Falafels

When I sold my house, the purchaser's surveyor requested plans for an extension which had been built in the 1970's. I have never had any, and just told them this. Building regs and planning permission criteria have changed beyond all recognition in the last 20 years, too.

As David says, get your surveyor - or a structural engineer if necessary - to inspect the works; if they're OK, then carry on with your purchase.

greatcrested

So long ago.

Paperwork irrelevant.

Only thing that matters is the current condition of the property.