Building regs and planning

[Gary Mac]

HI

first time posting, but could do with a bit of advice

Long story short;

bought bungalow from sister in law in 1992. It had a large ground floor extension on back, two beds, sitting room, bathroom and utility, built in 1988.

we have done works since, put on conservatory, in 2003 and knocked through to utility from kitchen, with builder putting in RSJ in 2017. builder also took small chimney stack down from kitchen that was previously used for Aga.

looking at selling, cannot find paperwork for extension, with search done by our solicitor saying extension as a proposal, but no final decision or building regs. we did not get survey (yes I know).

we did not get building regs with recent work done re RSJ, now realised it should have come under regs.

as I said thinking of selling later this year. It is a big bungalow with 2 acres of land. What problems does anyone think I will encounter with a sale, and how to remedy?

Thanks

 

[JP_]

2 acres of land - sounds ripe for development, so maybe a builder will buy it and knock is down and build several new properties - they might not be bothered about lack of planning or building approval!

Does the "4 year rule" apply here? I've no idea, but possible.
And how big was the extension? You can do 8 metres under permitted development now, so it'd probably be OK anyway...

I'd just put it on the market and see what happens. I bought a 1930s house, but it had a small kitchen and bathroom extension, apparently done in the 50s, and there was certainly no paperwork about that. 1988 more recent, but still 43 years ago!

 

[Gary Mac]

Hi, thanks for reply

yes we were thinking of marketing it and just seeing what happens, but prepared for some hassle

unfortunately it is in green belt and agricultural land, otherwise I would have done that myself, although still possible for agricultural development for a business.

I have heard of different rules regarding Building regs and planning (building regs 12 months or planning 4 yr rule, as you say, where technically no action can be taken unless it is unsafe).

 

[mrrusty]

Just be honest - on the house information sheet say that work was done, and there are no certificates. It would be up to the LA to enforce any breach of regs, but I doubt they will bother. A buyer buys what they see - with 2 acres you shouldn't have any problem selling it to someone. If they don't like the "no certs" aspect, or can't get a mortgage it's their tough poo. It'll still sell for what it is worth.

 

[Gary Mac]

Many thanks for the reply, mrrusty

just a point, re indemnity insurance as well. would I have to get indemnity for each issue re lack of building regs or would one policy cover several issues

 

[denso13]

would I have to get indemnity for each issue re lack of building regs or would one policy cover several issues

One would cover all issues but wait and see if a buyer raises this option. They aren't perfect but can be a cheap option to get the sale over the line.

 

[JP_]

Oh yeah, I had to take one of those out because I didn't ask Barratts for permission to build my extension!