Buying a property that lacks building regs for recent work

[cannon999]

Surely if the footings are undersized and it's not historical work, there's a very real possibility building control could demand you knock it down or rectify? And there's also the very real potential of structural problems in future.

Given how recent it is - I'd tell em to either get it signed off, or forget it.

I'm far from an expert on this (Though if you all recall, I had a crack at DIY building an extension the other year) but conservatory foundations tend to be tiny - little more than you'd put for a garden wall. They're often exempt so chances are a BCO or SE has never ever been near those foundations.

That's probably why there is no sign off. They have also reconfigured walls and removed a load bearing wall which doesn't have sign off. They are offering to show engineering plans for all this work but still no answer as to why no building regs were signed off. So dodgy

[Paddy]

That's probably why there is no sign off. They have also reconfigured walls and removed a load bearing wall which doesn't have sign off. They are offering to show engineering plans for all this work but still no answer as to why no building regs were signed off. So dodgy

I have something similar which is classed as a workshop extension but it has been there for 70+ years. Other issue is the 3rd floor main building had an RSJ put wall to wall to support a top floor bathroom, again about 70 years ago. The then builders did not realise one wall was original (1833) wood frame and chalk rock. However, everything works fine and no structural movement or issues. The building was bought at a huge discount so I'm not bothered.

Friends house had an "extension" build about 50 years ago, no foundations, single skin brick and boarded roof. It's a damp mess and needs to be demolished.

IMHO, I would make an offer taking into account the cost of demolition and repairs to structural walls etc. If vendor disagrees, then walk.

[cannon999]

I have something similar which is classed as a workshop extension but it has been there for 70+ years. Other issue is the 3rd floor main building had an RSJ put wall to wall to support a top floor bathroom, again about 70 years ago. The then builders did not realise one wall was original (1833) wood frame and chalk rock. However, everything works fine and no structural movement or issues. The building was bought at a huge discount so I'm not bothered.

Friends house had an "extension" build about 50 years ago, no foundations, single skin brick and boarded roof. It's a damp mess and needs to be demolished.

IMHO, I would make an offer taking into account the cost of demolition and repairs to structural walls etc. If vendor disagrees, then walk.

They will probably remarket the house. I do wonder if I could sue them somehow for lying on the property information form but since contracts haven't been exchanged...

[AtW]

They will probably remarket the house. I do wonder if I could sue them somehow for lying on the property information form but since contracts haven't been exchanged...

Good news - you can sue them!

Bad news - seems unlikely you’d win anything worth the hassle

Be careful leaving any reviews on Trust Pilot...

[cannon999]

Good news - you can sue them!

Bad news - seems unlikely you’d win anything worth the hassle

Be careful leaving any reviews on Trust Pilot...

Well I have solid evidence that they lied and they admitted to it. On what grounds could I sue them?

[BlueSharp]

How can he do that if he cant inspect the footings?

You get a builder to dig a test pit before the structural engineer comes around.

[Paddy]

Well I have solid evidence that they lied and they admitted to it. On what grounds could I sue them?

You could try and bluff by sending a letter before action together with a separate letter being a Calderbank offer ( a settlement offer made on a "without prejudice save as to costs") Make the offer two thirds of your claim; you cannot claim more than out of pocked costs. I would not recommend court action in your case; it's too week and some clever QC will find some precedent

[AtW]

I would not recommend court action in your case; it's too week and some clever QC will find some precedent

Sales patter, innit?

Unreasonable to expect real estate agent to be honest in ads...

Probably a bigly fine for wasting valueable court time

[d000hg]

Well I have solid evidence that they lied and they admitted to it. On what grounds could I sue them?

You need to get on with your life.

mi fone did this on tappy tawk

[SueEllen]

You need to get on with your life.

mi fone did this on tappy tawk

To be fair walking away is the best thing to do if you aren't going to try to renegotiate the price.

You shouldn't be attached to a house that isn't yours. I know plenty of people who have walked away from properties with issues including shoddy extensions.