Buying a property with a rear extension, but no building regs.

[1sttimebuyer]

Me and my partner are currently in the process of buying our first home. It is a 2 up, 2 down Victorian mid-terrace. There is a small extension at the rear of the property, housing a toilet. Our solicitors informed us that this was done around 30 yrs ago by the coucil, as a scheme to provide elderly with amenities downstairs. However, there are no building regs available. I find this unusual as it was the council who supposedly arranged the build. Would this be the case? Also, what course of action would you advice we take next? We are concerned about damp and other factors. Our solicitors provide limited correspondence. Thanks in advance.

[Richard Webster]

It may well be that it did comply with the Building Regulations but nobody can find the proof of this and the Council don't keep records going back that far.

Very unlikely any enforcement action would be taken now so it is really down to you as whether or not you are satisfied with the condition of the property as a whole. There could be all sorts of other things in an older house that do not comply with modern building regulations. Are you worrying about them?

[Dan S]

If you can isolate the source of damp, it can be a relatively straight forward issue to deal with. As Richard has said, don't worry about it in a legal sense.

Good Luck!

Oh, and if it's really bothering you, dont jump in when there could be your dream home around the corner. Many homes will be coming on the market in the new year.

[New Homes Expert]

Dont touch this one with a barge pole!
It will end in tears.
It may not have proper fire protection or be structurally sound.

[Agrarian]

Hi there,
Have you had a building or structural survey undertaken on this property? From what you are say the property has a single storey rear toilet extension. Therefore would it be fair to asume that the extension is fairly modest? if so what are your plans for the house? Are you looking to removate and live in? A lot of older (and pooly constructed new ones!) properties have damp, however as with most things this can be treated. You don't have to run a mile, just get a proper servey, a damp specialist report (not expensive) and take a view on the cost for works necessary to remidy the faults. And armed with these costs go back to the vendor and say the property needs this, this and this doing to it and it will cost £X therfore ask for a reduction accordingly.

Best of Luck

[LanceConnor]

If the extension has got Planning, which I am sure it would have. if there has not been any complaints within the past 12 years it's fine to stay even without planning.
As far as B'Regs are concerned, it's nothing major as an inspector can be called and tell you what does'nt meet the Regulations if anything and then you can get them adapted.
As far as damp is concerned, no matter what Planning or Regulations you have it depends of how it was constructed and as it's an old house it's to be expected in places.

Please feel free to correct me, I am still learning

Lance