Selling Property and Building Regs

[chrisyb]

Hi,

We are really upset as we are well into the process of selling and buying a new home and the buyers survey (of our existing house) has found problems with building regulations. The house has had a load of work done way before we moved in including a loft conversion, chimney breast removal and also the removal of a supporting wall (making it open plan) downstairs.

Now we know that at least the attic conversion does not meet regulations and we will be forced to undertake a structual survey and possibly make good the work (could be 15K+) worst case scenario.

None of this was picked up when we purchased the house 6 years ago by either the solicitor or the surveyor despite the considerable alterations that have taken place. This was my first house purchase at the time and things like this was not known by us.

Do we have a claim (i assume we do) against the solicitor for failing to check building regs and if so will they pay for the structual survey and remedial works? If so how long will this take? We are totally gutted as we are well underway with a new house purchase and have spent a considerable amount in costs of surveys/ solicitors etc. Help