Selling house - Rear window made smaller

[geoffru]

We are currently in the process of selling our first house that we have lived in for over 10 years. We are completing the various forms but am concerned by some work we had done as part of a kitchen renovation 8 years ago.

As part of the renovation we had a large window removed and replaced with a smaller one (approx. 1.5ft narrower x 2ft shorter) in order to allow cabinets to be placed along one side of the kitchen. This new window is identical to the other in the kitchen and was installed by a FENSA certified installer, I also have the certificate for proof. No structural works were completed (the lintel was already in place and wider than the new window) and all the bricks for the infill were matched. Clearly I am not going to withhold this from the buyer and I'm pretty sure that this work is allowed under permitted development but should we have anything for building regs? The room itself has not changed in size inside nor in it's use. The house is also not listed or in an area subject to any special conservation etc...

Not sure if I am worrying for no reason but I can't find anything that tells me exactly! Thanks in advance

 

[ETAF]

Personally I would not worry
Just tell the truth in the documents give the fenza ref

We sold our house with various issues but told the truth and down to buyer solicitor to sort out
We had fenza installed but they never sent the cert
And then went bust

We also sold our uncles house who had no will and new very little
So again just told the truth

 

[Old Salt]

Just declare the window replacement. Provide the certificate and wait for the solicitor to ask any questions.

 

[geoffru]

Thanks for your replies - I guess it also depends on your interpretation of the questions on the form.

First question is 'Have any of the following changes been made to the whole or any part of the property? Building works (e.g. extension, loft or garage conversion, removal of internal walls)' - depends if you see it as building work, especially as the examples given are much larger in nature? Followed by the subsequent question 'Please supply copies of the planning permissions, Building Regulations approval and Completion Certificates OR if none were required, please explain why these were not required - e.g. permitted development rights applied or the work was exempt from Building Regulations'

 

[Old Salt]

And your answer is

“Replacement window as part of kitchen renovation, copy of certificate provided.”

Keep hold of the original and tell them they will be provided on completion. I went through exactly the same when I sold my house in 2018 having fitted a window in an en suite. Provided its a fensa install its not a problem.

 

[^woody^]

FENSA is a self certification scheme under the Building Regulations

 

[geoffru]

Thanks for your advice and I'll go with the response of 'Replacement window as part of kitchen renovation,' and provide a copy of the certificate.