Can you "trust" an architect with regard to notifying building control etc about non-compliance?

[bodger_badger]

I'm probably being overly paranoid but I've been speaking with an architect about what changes would be required to get regularisation or building control approval for an existing loft room that was originally signed off for storage only, so it could be used and sold as a bedroom in the future.

They've now requested the property address so they can look up what data is available on the online planning portal etc. Having looked at the listed plans, there are some minor deviations with locations of stud walls - a room shown as an ensuite is actually now a bathroom, with the door and wall in a different location, and a doorway to the hall has been relocated.

My concern is there's a small chance they might report any non-compliance with planning or building regs, although the construction is over 10 years old, so perhaps no one cares. The surveyor that performed an L2 survey only mentioned a door that had been cut down may no longer have the suitable fire rating but was otherwise happy with the room.

Any thoughts?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

A survey? Is this a house you want to buy? What have you employed an architect for? Why do you think someone acting in your interests would stir things up? Seems like an odd way to start off. Only planning drawings will be viewable online and anything built then years ago is beyond any risk from the planners.

 

[mrrusty]

an existing loft room that was originally signed off for storage only....
a room shown as an ensuite is actually now a bathroom

So it sounds like we have a non-compliant loft conversion being used as a habitable space? I don't think your architect will stir things up as they would be breaking confidentiality, but will want all the facts to correctly advise. Hopefully the work required is easily possible.

 

[Murdochcat]

I suspect the architect wants to see if any documents were lodged with the council and how to advise you to ensure the changes they recommend will allow you to change the use of the room

 

[bodger_badger]

A survey? Is this a house you want to buy?

The house has been purchased (well, final stages) with the understanding the loft room is non-habitable storage and might not be possible to convert economically. This was reflected in the purchase price.

Why do you think someone acting in your interests would stir things up?

Mostly paranoia. I know that mentioning things can potentially invalidate indemnity policies etc so I'm erring on the side of caution.

So it sounds like we have a non-compliant loft conversion being used as a habitable space?

Sorry for the confusion, the bathroom is on the 1st floor. The loft room is just a single room without a bathroom. It has in the past been carpeted and decorated suggesting it might have been used as a habitable room, but we intend to only use it as storage.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[^woody^]

Yeah, totally paranoid.

 

[big-all]

now i could be wrong
but indemnity insurance can only ever cover the cost off enforcement action the council may take against a non-compliant structure
it cannot do any other action so your non compliant storage space will never change without meeting the present building regs
as orange juice said --if you want it to comply

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