HELP! The house I purchased doesn’t have any Building Control certification for the loft conversion!

I recently sold my house, which I have lived in for nearly 8 years. When I brought it, I knew there was a loft conversion that did not have any certification. I understand that I don’t need to do anything in terms of Town Planning but the local Building Control Body have visited and told me that I need to make an application to them and they have also pointed out a number of issues, including structure, the staircase, fire escapes, etc. A few sales have fallen through for this issue alone, even though the loft is at least 20 years old and showing no signs of issues. I am now told that I need a different sort of Surveyor to advise. Why isn’t this covered within the buyers building survey?

Sadly, this is more complicated than it might appear. Loft conversions are quite intricate and comprise a substantial part of the property. therefore, if they are not done right, there can sometimes be a lot to rectify.

In terms of approvals, you are correct that Planning Permission would not be required for a loft this old, whatever the situation at the time and would now be lawful. Building Control never becomes okay and , although there is some limited argument that the structure has stood the test of time, this is not enough on its own to demonstrate compliance to get a regularisation certificate (the Regularisation is the type of application that will need to be made to the local Building Control department).

I think it is good you have already spoken to the local Council. It is unusual for them to come out without a formal application and a fee being paid. I hope their advice was helpful, although you have not stated what is. I would imagine that they would undertake a more comprehensive inspection and give proper advice once properly instructed and give written advice when properly instructed and I think this is the best next step.

Issues such as fire safety, staircases and structure are all crucially important. Also, the Building Control will want to check insulation and ventilation to the roof void is properly done, so you roof timbers don’t rot and sag. As I have said, seen thought the loft has been there a long time, any future buyer is right to be diligent about it and make sure they are not buying something that will fail or even become a hinderance when they come to sell and another geek like me comes and flags up an issue.

I would suggest your best bet is a consultant Building Control Surveyor who can act as Designer and help guide you through this process, including the negotiations with the Local Authority.