Buying a property that had an extension built with no sign off but permission granted

[B3nyf]

Hi all,

We’ve just put an offer in on a property that’s had a large extension, garage half heartedly turned into an annex and dormas put on the upstairs bedrooms. M - it’s come to light it was not signed off, could it be building regulations and visits happened and just not signed off or I guess nothing has been done. Is there a way to find out. Then work was done in 2009 and it looks ok but been reading lots and think I need a structural engineer before I go any further. We are hoping to build a 2nd story extension on top of the single but guess that now depends on footings and the single being built correctly. Any advise please.

 

[noseall]

Hi all,

We’ve just put an offer in on a property that’s had a large extension, garage half heartedly turned into an annex and dormas put on the upstairs bedrooms. M - it’s come to light it was not signed off, could it be building regulations and visits happened and just not signed off or I guess nothing has been done. Is there a way to find out. Then work was done in 2009 and it looks ok but been reading lots and think I need a structural engineer before I go any further. We are hoping to build a 2nd story extension on top of the single but guess that now depends on footings and the single being built correctly. Any advise please.

Irrespective of sign off, you'd still need to expose the foundations and have them checked by a pro'. As regards the existing structure - check with the LA council and see if there was a BC application. It may have been granted PP for instance but not completed the BC side of things.

 

[Murdochcat]

Tell the sellers to get the completion certificate or you’ll pull out.

 

[mrrusty]

It's 2009, so whatever happened it's way past enforcement. Use your own eyes, and also get a decent survey done. If it all looks good and you like it, go ahead with an indemnity if your BS insist. If you are concerned, walk away - lots of other properties out there.

Whether you get a sign-off or not, unless additional work is done, it is what it is - a piece of paper doesn't change the state of the building.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Irrespective of sign off, you'd still need to expose the foundations and have them checked by a pro'. As regards the existing structure - check with the LA council and see if there was a BC application. It may have been granted PP for instance but not completed the BC side of things.

Well I wouldn't do that yet, as soon as the OP contacts the local authority any indemnitys won't be permitted.