Retrospective structural defects warranty or pcc / architects certificate

ClaytonM

I've had an offer accepted on a property. It's a self build by the current occupiers who have been living in it for a couple of years.

When I applied for a mortgage I was told I require a structural defects warranty. I'm aware you can get retrospective warranties, are these intrusive I.e cut inspection holes in plaster etc? Does this depend on the information available? It was built to wind and water tight by the company that provided the frame who are still in business.

Is a retrospective pcc also intrusive and is anyone aware of any lender which accepts an architects certificate?

Thanks in advance

user1977

Can you clarify what (if anything) the sellers already have available? It really ought to be up to them to do the donkeywork. I think some lenders will accept a supervising architect's certificate rather than insisting on a warranty.

Doozergirl

A retrospective warranty isn't intrusive, they 
will want the building control
approval certificate.   How easy it is to purchase a retrospective warranty at the moment, I don't know.  The market is a lot smaller than it was.  

Are you sure they don't already have a 10 year warranty in place?   I was acutely aware of the need for one with our self build if anyone was going to raise a mortgage against it.