Building control - retrospective approval?

[Lunaballoon]

We had an small extension built 7 or 8 years ago and while the local council's building control inspector signed off the various stages of the works, the builders didn't organise a final inspection. To be honest, we were so relieved that it was finished after many problems along the way, that we didn't pursue this. I'm now worried that if/when we decide to move on, we'll have trouble selling. Has anyone managed to get a building control certificate years after the works were completed and how did you go about it? Thanks!

I think there's a fairly standard regularisation process which you apply for and there is a fee for this.
Be aware that for the work to be signed off now your extension may well have to comply with current regulations rather than the regulations which were in force when the work was completed. I would imagine that to be the case.

Do you still have the documentation with the reference numbers and the drawings available?

I think you should move to put all this in place now as it will come to light if you decide to market the place and could cost you a sale, or delays might lose the property you're looking at.

We had to do all this but it was so many years ago that I can't remember much about it other than we had a few minor jobs to do to make the grade.

Go on your local council's website for more information. The one I looked at quoted a fee of £150 but obviously this can vary.
Once you've got your head around this by all means ring your local planning department for their advice too.

If an application was made at the time it is fairly simply obtaining the completion certificate and you won't have to change to current standards. Assuming it was all inspected during construction it might just be that an electrical certificate is outstanding which is why it wasn't issued at the time or that the builder didn't ask for a final inspection.

Thanks, Hen. I'll have a look at the website. Part of the reason we haven't pursued this is the builders and the inspector didn't get on at all. Every inspection seemed to end in a row, possibly due to communication difficulties (the builders were Polish). They also did a small job (removed chimney breast) that wasn't on the original plan, which I'm worried will come back to haunt us. It's fine structurally, but they may now insist we get engineer's drawings. We still have a copy of the original plans, but I think we only have one of the inspection slips. Would they have kept a record at the council, do you think?

Aaah well it's better news from Miss Ellie about not having to comply to current regulations. I really wouldn't know about the rest, especially if you're going back 7 or 8 years. It is worth getting it all sorted out though, when there's no pressure or time constraints. It'll be something off your mind and as I said won't hold you back in the future.

I've downloaded a regularisation form, which says a copy of plans showing any additional work must also be provided. I guess I'll submit what we have then try to get a structural engineer to draw up a retrospective plan for the chimney breast. Thanks Hen and Missellie.

Good Luck Luna, hope the chimney breast doesn't cause any issues for you.