Old extension which indemnity doesn't cover

dryad_17

We are nearing completion on  Victorian terrace. It has and existing rear extension, attic room and boiler without certificates. There is Indemnity in place to cover these. 

However the vendor has since been granted planning to build a new extension and regularise the attic. I've spoken to the insurer who said the policy still stands for the purposes of the lender, but NOT if we or any future owner,  subsequently apply for any other form of planning and the defects are then spotted. 

The planning application will have just lapsed by the time we complete. Meaning it will be fairly fresh in the LAs heads. Although we don't intend doing work on the existing extension, we do intend to alter and replace a bay window which requires regs as its a conservation area. So we'll have to invite them back.

I'm freaking out that they will insist we do remedial work on the existing extension/attic. The work does appear old but we can't be sure it's over 20yrs. I also worry this will be problematic if we ever want to sell.

The solicitor has be useless. The Indemnity  company have been more helpful!

Am I seeing bear-pits where there are none?!

user1977

Almost certainly, if the works look likely to be over 20 years old. Councils barely have resources to deal with pressing matters, they’re hardly likely to be interested in ancient extensions unless there’s some public safety aspect or a nuisance to neighbours (and even if there were, the fact it was previously signed off wouldn’t help you anyway).

dryad_17

Thanks for putting my mind at rest....just wish the solicitor I'm shelling out to would do the same!

Albermarle

It has and existing rear extension, attic room and boiler without certificates. There is Indemnity in place to cover these. 
I presume for the boiler you mean it has not got a gas certificate. That is normal for a residential home, although you can pay for one if you want. Probably more practical to just get the boiler serviced when you move in, unless you have evidence it was done recently.

born_again

Duplicate thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6581387/buying-a-property-with-no-building-regs#latest

dryad_17

Thanks, the boiler isn't really the issue, we'll definitely be having it serviced and probably look to replace in future. It's the rear extension that was freaking me out. A boiler is one thing the replace, a full extension would be an entirely different beast! 

Albermarle

As a previous poster said, you are probably worrying about nothing, as long as a survey shows no issues with the extension.

dryad_17

Apologies if I have done wrong. I'm new on here and hadn't realised asking different questions counted as duplication...its been a stressful day 😔