Attic Conversion No Building Regulations

Building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.

Attic conversion no building regulations.

Here we give you the lowdown on planning a loft conversion. This section provides guidance for making alterations to the loft space of an existing house which is no more than two storeys high. Sellers often create a new bedroom out of a loft conversion with a view to add value to the property and to offer more living space. However when we asked the vendor why building regulations was not applied for at the time we were told that the vendor ran out of money.

Like basement remodels attic conversions have restrictions that make them less attractive for remodeling as they might first appear. Apparently it was done over 10 years ago and as a result the council have said that they will not inspect it. Loft conversion is likely to be permitted development now so not as onerous as a full planning application and you can apply for a certificate for lawful development as it is clearly older than 4 years and building regs also fall away after a number of years too but before you do all this look into an indemnity insurance to cover you if you alert the local authorities then you will lose. If building regulations approval and certification should have been obtained for building works and no such approval exists there are potential consequences.

Under the provisions of section 36 6 building act 1984 the council can seek a high court injunction to require the alteration or removal of work that doesn t comply. However the seller and their estate agent cannot market the loft conversion as a bedroom if it does not have a building regulations completion certificate. If there is something that does not meet the building regulations standard the builder will need to resolve the issue then contact the building inspector so he can come and assess after the issue has been resolved. We understand that there are no building regulations certificates for the loft conversion.

If the conversion has not been carried out under building regulations then it should not be classed as a 4 bedroom. Buying a house with an unauthorised loft conversion can prove a serious issue for someone buying with a mortgage. Fire as a cause of injury and death is the main reason for these restrictions. If you were happy to buy the property as a 3 bedroom and then looked to make the a formal application to building control for a loft conversion you will probably be starting again.