Does extension at back requires building control or completion cert?

user1977

J41721 said:

user1977 said:

J41721 said:

No41edwardianhouse said:

J41721 said:

FreeBear said:

Any building work subject to Building Regulations requires a completion certificate - For minor works such as new windows/doors or gas boiler, the tradesperson can self certify and submit copies to the local council.

Your extension would have needed regular inspection and sign off by Building Control as it does not fall within the definition of "minor works". What is involved in getting retrospective sign off depends on how long ago the work was done, whether BC had made any site visits (and have records), and the quality of the work. They may take one look at it and say "sure, no problem", or they could want invasive inspections to check suitability of steels, insulation, fireproofing, and so on.

The vendors may offer an indemnity insurance policy to cover you from council enforcement action. It won't cover for shoddy work.

My offer got accepted.
For Building control, should I ask  my solicitor or surveyor  to check?  What else should I need to do ?

It should be part of your solicitors enquiries. We are going through the same situation. For us, an indemnity insurance will be needed. 

If need to retrospective sign off, what's the procedure?  is it contacting the council ?  Do I need to find an agent / builder / archtiect to help doing that?

If the vendor agrees to that then generally it's them who would organise it. But it isn't the normal solution.

Prices are rising in my local area, and I have been gazumped before.

I want to close this deal quickly

Given the extension is so small, should I go with idemnity insurance and sort out with the council building control myself?

No, if you have indemnity insurance then you never contact the council about it, as that will invalidate the insurance. You just get the insurance and then forget about it.

Slithery

If you are going to contact the council then indemnity insurance is pointless. Contacting the council will void the policy.

J41721

The vendor replied the extension is already there when they bought it 20 years ago

I can't find the Building Cert on council website

Surveyor advise the extension is structural sound but have some water stain on the ceiling that we might have to watch out for but no immediate concern.

What is the best course of action?

user1977

J41721 said:

The vendor replied the extension is already there when they bought it 20 years ago

I can't find the Building Cert on council website

Surveyor advise the extension is structural sound but have some water stain on the ceiling that we might have to watch out for but no immediate concern.

What is the best course of action?

Do nothing other than keep an eye on the leak.

FreeBear

J41721 said: The vendor replied the extension is already there when they bought it 20 years ago

I can't find the Building Cert on council website

Built 20 years ago, it won't meet current building regulations. Bringing it up to current standards could entail replacement of the roof, floor, doors and windows - The cost of the work would far exceed any value the paperwork would add.

The certificates wouldn't appear on the planning portal. Any paperwork related to Building Control inspection & sign off would be held by BC (which may be a separate company to your council depending on area). If copies of the paperwork exist, you would have to apply to BC as the homeowner, and this would invalidate any indemnity insurance.

A 20+ year old extension really isn't worth the hassle of getting retrospective completion certificates.

J41721

FreeBear said:

J41721 said: The vendor replied the extension is already there when they bought it 20 years ago

I can't find the Building Cert on council website

Built 20 years ago, it won't meet current building regulations. Bringing it up to current standards could entail replacement of the roof, floor, doors and windows - The cost of the work would far exceed any value the paperwork would add.

The certificates wouldn't appear on the planning portal. Any paperwork related to Building Control inspection & sign off would be held by BC (which may be a separate company to your council depending on area). If copies of the paperwork exist, you would have to apply to BC as the homeowner, and this would invalidate any indemnity insurance.

A 20+ year old extension really isn't worth the hassle of getting retrospective completion certificates.

Will it make the house non-mortgagable?  Thank you!

canaldumidi

J41721 said:

FreeBear said:

J41721 said: The vendor replied the extension is already there when they bought it 20 years ago

I can't find the Building Cert on council website

Built 20 years ago, it won't meet current building regulations. Bringing it up to current standards could entail replacement of the roof, floor, doors and windows - The cost of the work would far exceed any value the paperwork would add.

The certificates wouldn't appear on the planning portal. Any paperwork related to Building Control inspection & sign off would be held by BC (which may be a separate company to your council depending on area). If copies of the paperwork exist, you would have to apply to BC as the homeowner, and this would invalidate any indemnity insurance.

A 20+ year old extension really isn't worth the hassle of getting retrospective completion certificates.

Will it make the house non-mortgagable?  Thank you!

No.

Oops-reply too short for the forum so.....No.