Underfloor Ventilation

[bbr]

Hi,
We are looking at buying a new semi-detached house that has recently had an extension added to the rear with a fully concrete floor and a new garage to one side. We have had the survey back which highlights the fact that not enough vent bricks are in the external walls.
I would have assumed that before the extension we would also of had vent bricks at the rear allowing air flow.
Due to the concrete floor at the back this is now not possible the only other option is to vent out into the garage would this be possible and meet with the regs?
Thanks

 

[^woody^]

If the new extension has blocked air vents and reduced/removed the ventilation to the floor void, then its arguable that the extension does not conform to the b/regs and should not have had a completion certificate

To be effective, air flow needs to be across the floor void. If vents are put in the side, then there will be a section of the void at the rear opposite corner which will not get any air movement, and thus increase the risk of timber rot

The only practical solution would be to add new air bricks at the side, and form a duct to the far corner to force air movement

But you can't put these new vents in the garage, as they need to vent to extenal air, so again they would have to be ducted from the side of the garage. But this may then lead to issues with ducts too long

There is a big risk here of future problems with the floor, so seriously consider this before buying. Even if you get a discount to purchase, you will have the same probelm when you come to sell

 

[bbr]

Thanks for the response. My solicitor is currently obtaining copies of the building regs. So on that basis I would assume they may not have any due to this issue?

 

[^woody^]

No, the council inspector could have just signed the work off knowingly/unknowingly for one of several possible reasons. This will then lead to a protracted argument about who's fault it is