Homeowners who have chosen to forgo seeking Building Regulations approval for property alterations are at risk of their property sale falling through. That’s the warning from Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP).
With the current property boom caused by the temporary reduction in stamp duty, DBCP is receiving an increasing amount of calls from desperate property owners who face their property sales falling through because they don’t have Building Regulations approval for home improvements they have carried out.
“We have never been busier,” said Simeon Cornes, team leader and Building Control Surveyor at DBCP’s Derby city centre based office.
Converting a space in your home, replacing windows, cavity insulation or installing a solar panel are just some of a number of home improvements that require building regulations approval. Failure to gain building regulations approval can leave property owners facing enforcement action, additional expense and the risk of not being able to sell the property.
Simeon explained: “A common misconception is that building regulations approval is just necessary for extensions; that’s not so. Building Regulations focus on building safety, energy efficiency and accessibility, which means any alteration to your property which could compromise any of those areas must be assessed by an approved and qualified building inspector to ensure they meet legal standards.
“When you fail to comply with building regulations, it means occupants are living in a potentially unsafe environment. It is your legal responsibility as the building owner to seek advice and get Building Regulations approval.”
And it doesn’t look like there will be a let up in the housing market despite the stamp duty holiday cut off being imminent. Rightmove has reported that the number of houses being sold has been increasing compared to this time last year – despite the stamp duty holiday cut off being imminent.
The Government’s stamp duty holiday is set to save an estimated 750,000 home buyers nearly £5 billion. The tax holiday is currently set to end on 31 March however, there are talks of a six-week extension to prevent tens of thousands of potential home buyers ‘falling off a financial cliff edge’.
Making a plea to home owners, Simeon said: “Building safety is our number one priority at DBCP and we are asking Derby homeowners to help us – please don’t risk it. Speak to us today and ensure your building complies with the building regulations. Seeking advice and approval now may prevent more serious problems when it comes to selling your property further down the line.”
Domestic projects that may require Building Regulations consent include:
- Garage conversions
- Loft conversions
- Cellar conversions
- Structural alterations e.g. removing load bearing walls
- Alterations to drainage, hot water or heating systems
- New or replacement windows
- Electrical work
- Replacement roof coverings
- Cavity wall insulation
- Some garages
- Some conservatories
- Extensions
- Solar panel installation
If you are unsure on whether your home alterations require Building Regulations consent, call DBCP’s team of building control surveyors today on 0333 880 2000. Or download DBCP’s free guide on extending your home here.