Buying a new build property with no access to loft or attic

Ravs2019

Hi everyone, 

sorry if the similar query was already posted and answered. I have recently viewed a newly built house and later realized it doesn't have loft access and the only way to find any fault in the roof or doing similar kind of survey is from the roof.  I raised a query to the agent asking him - why it was done in this way at the first place as usually all houses come with loft or attic access even if it's small or big. 

The agent came back to me with the below response : regarding the loft space, the developer decided there was insufficient height in the loft to warrant a hatch or be able to store anything. 

I think it's something fishy so asked him to get it done by the developer as it involves building planning permission and building regulation, however didn't get any responses yet. 

Can you suggest on this please ? 

Mark_d

New build properties are protected by a guarantee so why do you think there's a fault?  If you buy the property and install a loft hatch, then you'll be able to examine the roof and get it repaired if it's faulty.  I don't think you're taking any more risk than anyone else does with a new build

Section62

Ravs2019 said:

Hi everyone, 

sorry if the similar query was already posted and answered. I have recently viewed a newly built house and later realized it doesn't have loft access and the only way to find any fault in the roof or doing similar kind of survey is from the roof.  I raised a query to the agent asking him - why it was done in this way at the first place as usually all houses come with loft or attic access even if it's small or big. 

The agent came back to me with the below response : regarding the loft space, the developer decided there was insufficient height in the loft to warrant a hatch or be able to store anything. 

I think it's something fishy so asked him to get it done by the developer as it involves building planning permission and building regulation, however didn't get any responses yet. 

Can you suggest on this please ? 

Is it a flat roof, or do the upstairs rooms have vaulted ceilings?  If not, I'd find the developer's response a little worrying (aka bull manure).

Not necessarily for storage, but having the ability to access the roof void (e.g. for checking for leaks, or checking the electricals) is something I'd want to be provided.

35har1old

Section62 said:

Ravs2019 said:

Hi everyone, 

sorry if the similar query was already posted and answered. I have recently viewed a newly built house and later realized it doesn't have loft access and the only way to find any fault in the roof or doing similar kind of survey is from the roof.  I raised a query to the agent asking him - why it was done in this way at the first place as usually all houses come with loft or attic access even if it's small or big. 

The agent came back to me with the below response : regarding the loft space, the developer decided there was insufficient height in the loft to warrant a hatch or be able to store anything. 

I think it's something fishy so asked him to get it done by the developer as it involves building planning permission and building regulation, however didn't get any responses yet. 

Can you suggest on this please ? 

Is it a flat roof, or do the upstairs rooms have vaulted ceilings?  If not, I'd find the developer's response a little worrying (aka bull manure).

Not necessarily for storage, but having the ability to access the roof void (e.g. for checking for leaks, or checking the electricals) is something I'd want to be provided.

In the likes of chalet style bungalow there would be areas that would have electrical cables that you have no excess to after completion.

LHW99

We have had loft hatches put in two houses. It doesn't cost much, and ensures you can check what's going on in the roof.

One house had an existing hatch over the centre of a very tall stairwell, the other had one in / over a small shower cubicle. neither was big enough to get more than a head through, even if they could actually be accessed.

ThorOdinson

It does sound suspicious.

Hoenir

ThorOdinson said:

It does sound suspicious.

Or simply an oversight. 

user1977

Ravs2019 said:

I think it's something fishy so asked him to get it done by the developer as it involves building planning permission and building regulation, however didn't get any responses yet. 

I don't see why adding a hatch involves anything additional in the way of consents? It shouldn't be that difficult to insert one yourself if need be. 

ThorOdinson

Hoenir said:

ThorOdinson said:

It does sound suspicious.

Or simply an oversight. 

They are professional house builders. If they make those kinds of oversight, run.

Rob5342

It aeems very odd to me, I've never seen a house without a loft hatch before.