final sign off after 7 years, problems?

[theSouth]

We have planning permission, building control came round and checked everything (we built a large extension) starting in 2008 and the very last thing the BCO said was "let us know when it's complete"

That was 7 years ago.

We've been living in it, but it's not complete - money problems mean we haven't finished all areas, like we have an en-suite that is not complete.

We're not thinking of moving any time soon, but I'm guessing that the longer I leave it the worse it is to get whatever 'final sign off'

To get 'final sign off' I need the get the electrics signed off etc since it was done in many parts, some 1st fix by me, some 2nd by one spark, then another.

What is involved in this 'final sign off phase'? The BCO checked all the footings, joist spans, roof trusses, lintels, insulation, windows, pressure tested drains, etc, etc, etc..

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Don't get too worked up about the wiring side (or rather you're a bit stuffed on the wiring side, whoever did it should have left installation records and test results with you. BCO won't touch it, search in the Electrical forum for possible ways out).

As for the rest, I may be wrong but I suspect they'll want another fee from you (up here a Building Notice is normally only valid for a year), they may even tell you its double bubble for regularisation.

Best bet- give them a ring, see what records they've got and take it from there. Re your ensuite, they're not interested in decoration so if everything is in and working and there's enough water protection to prevent damage to the building then that'll do.

 

[theSouth]

I didn't do this on a building notice it was done with whatever the expensive building control procedure is because I paid a lot back then.

I was told if I paid that (large) fee I'd not have to pay again, no matter how many visits.

Never heard of a time limit. So long as we started the work in 5 (or is it 3, doesn't matter) years etc...

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Just give 'em a ringo, it's pointless debating on here what was or wasn't inspected, by all means come back after you've rung them but we're just guessing really. Cannot see how they could ever justify another fee.

 

[theSouth]

Yeah, good advice.

I suppose I was just looking for tips or forwarnings to prepare for the call

Cheers

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Time outs may be different for full plans building regs application (the 3 years is for planning, you've obviously started the job so no worries there)- I've only done notices and they've been quite tolerant with me so far (every couple of months I get them out for something, only been 18 months so far but there are 2 notices running ).

So, for completion certificate what you've got will need to match what is on the plans. Decoration isn't essential but there need to be doors and windows and walls and ceilings and sanitary stuff where they're indicated. Again the wiring is going to be tricky unless you've got certs from whoever did the install and commissioning but you should be able to get a completion certificate excluding the electrical.

Phone them in the morning- at least with being a full plans application they should still have the documents

 

[jono_h]

Our extension was finally signed off 5 years after we started living in it. The delay wasn't a problem, we just got a letter from Building Control every 6 months asking us to call and confirm where we were.

The only issue was that there had been a change of regs, and there was some confusion as to whether we needed mains wired smoke alarms. It turns out we didn't, and the BCO apologised for incorrectly asking for them.

 

[theSouth]

Thanks Jono, appreciate the reply.