Property report

mbugsy18

Hi, 
I have been sent all the searches and indemnity policies and title plans. The report says that my seller is willing to pay for the building over sewer and freehold restrictive covenants policies but not the building regs for the conservatory which was built in 2002. My solicitors says I should buy this as the radiator in the conservatory was connected and that requires building regs.
I am wondering if this is worth it as my seller flatly refuse to pay even half the cost as they deem it unnecessary. The cost is £197.00.

anselld

It is a pointless policy.  Building regs cannot be enforced after 18 years.

davidmcn

mbugsy18 said:

I am wondering if this is worth it as my seller flatly refuse to pay even half the cost as they deem it unnecessary. The cost is £197.00.

They're right. And £197 is fairly pricey even if you wanted insurance.

mbugsy18

So when is the limit for enforcement does it depend on the work in question e.g. extension, interior wall demolition or just a standard length of time?

greatcrested

12 months for Building Regs.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200128/building_control/38/building_regulations/3

4 years for Planning.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ensuring-effective-enforcement

mbugsy18

My solicitor tells me the local authority can extend the period for enforcement.

davidmcn

mbugsy18 said:

My solicitor tells me the local authority can extend the period for enforcement.

Even if they can, in practice they hardly have enough resources to deal with their current workload, never mind caring about conservatories built two decades ago. It simply doesn't happen.

mbugsy18

I am planning on making the conservatory into an extension would the building regs inspector then make an enforcement? I understand the conservatory was built under permitted development in 2002.

davidmcn

Depends exactly what you mean by "making the conservatory into an extension" - if you're demolishing the conservatory and building a new extension then what matters is whether you're complying with building regulations for the new works. In any event, building control really aren't interested in historic building works (unless they're actually about to fall down on top of somebody).

mbugsy18

Ok, thanks. Yes demolishing the conservatory but use any foundations if they are adequate enough. The original existing wall is still in place so I was going to remove that so it becomes an open plan room which will include the kitchen and dining area.

lincroft1710

It is doubtful if the foundations for the conservatory would be adequate for an extension, and foundations need to be able to support a 2 storey building