• Floored Attic

    By Guest on 23rd Aug 2023

    I am selling property with floored attic. There were beams that were from the roof to nearly the middle of the attic floor. When these were taken away they were replaced by joists at the sides and at the top of the roof.
    Thereby making walls and a ceiling in the attic so we could have the floor space for storage.
    This work was all completed over 10 or even 15 years ago and there have never been any issues. No permissions sought at the time. Buyers solicitor wants property inspection report before proceeding, what does this entail and can you advise on potential outcomes or impacts of this, ie will i be asked to get permission, or do more work etc. Not sure what this all means and how much it is going to cost.

  • 2 Answers

    By Guest on 25/08/2023

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  • By Guest on 25/08/2023

    Hi,

    The work would have required building regulations approval, if it involved the removal of load bearing supports (even if they were replaced). When work is carried out without building regulations approval the local authority has the right, with 12 months of completion of the work, to take enforcement action and order the breach to be remedied. After that, they can still apply for an injunction preventing the use of the affected area if they think it represents a danger to the public but this power is rarely, if ever, used in a residential setting and the risk is vanishingly small. It is sensible for your buyer to ask for a report to check that the property is structurally sound but there should be no other cost, provided the work was done properly, aside possible from an "indemnity insurance policy", which protects against the financial loss if an injunction is obtained. That policy would likely cost around £50

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