Loft conversion, is it safe?

[Higgsie1]

Hello all,

Myself and my Wife are looking at putting an offer in on a 3 bedroom house, the 3rd room is a loft conversion with Velux style windows.

I have contacted loftplan who are local specialists to obtain a quote to change the windows to add a dorma. They requested floor plans and certificates in order to be able to touch the conversion.

Whilst speaking to the estate agent it has come to light that there is no paperwork in relation to the works that have already been completed which has been estimated to be in the late 70's. I have tried searching my local councils archive of requests and there is also no records.

My question to you is this:
If there is no paperwork how do I know that the structure is safe and secure for me and my family? What do I need to do next?


Thanks in advance for your help, this is all very new to me and i need someone to give me a straight answer.

Ta
Ben

[Richard Webster]

Suppose you were buying a house built 300 years ago how would you know it was safe?

Same answer here - all you can really do is have a survey and ask the surveyor particularly to advise you about the point.

[Higgsie1]

A this something that the sellers should take responsibility for?

[Jeannie D]

My understanding is that the surveyor only owes a duty of care to the person who instructed, and paid for, the survey. So, if you want the information - as well as the legal redress if it later turns out that the surveyor didn't do a good job and gave you the wrong advice - then you must instruct the surveyor yourself.