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Original poster

Help! Building control

13 replies

poloarpanda123 · 28/10/2019 10:55

Hi, I know I might be shouted down as an idiot here but here goes. I employed a builder to do a garage conversion a few weeks ago. I insisted on Building regs and made this clear from the start so he added to the bill. I was working and have 3 young children so was out most of the time. (I'm also separated so live alone with kids).
So I asked a couple of times about it and he said it was OK and he'd be sending in pictures of the work to BC. Anyway, after the work was done I paid everything as asked including 380 for BC. He said it would be with me by last week. I also requested an I invoice for works which he said he'd drop in.
I just rang BR and they have no record of application. I'm really stressing out now as no BC and no invoice or reply to texts. He's taken my money and strung me along it seems.
I'm mostly worried about if I come to sell.
What are my options and what can I do now?

OP posts:
LIZS · 28/10/2019 11:00

Could he have had an independent company doing this rather than council?

Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 28/10/2019 11:04

Hi LIZ I messaged last week, in a friendly manner, that I'd give BC a call and he said he would too. I assume not or he would have given me another number?

OP posts:
Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 28/10/2019 12:35

🤔

OP posts:
NaiceHamPlease · 28/10/2019 13:14

Yes, possible he's instructed an independant company. We have done the same here for a similar job. Our builder preferred this as our local council are slow to plan visits.

We've had two visits so far and job is half done, have you seen anyone other than the builder at all? I knew nothing about these as I was out, just a quick update from the builders on site.

I belive it can be approved retrospectively, although usually photos are required to show any structural alterations and construction of floor and so on before they are hidden.

Hope you get it sorted OP.

NaiceHamPlease · 28/10/2019 13:15

Oh and loads of our guys are off this week as it's half term, hopefully your chap is just slow in getting back to you....

Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 28/10/2019 13:31

Thanks Naice he did say he'd taken pictures. I didn't notice anyone else around as I was out too. Fingers crossed.

OP posts:
NaiceHamPlease · 28/10/2019 15:40

Sounds promising, hopefully it'll all get sorted eventually!

Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 29/10/2019 08:45

Not heard from him again. No reply to texts. I guess there's not much I can do but to get some money together to try and get it signed off myself now but I'm very worried about it.

OP posts:
user1487194234 · 29/10/2019 12:30

Have to say I would be surprised if he had gone through a private company
I would get in touch with BC and explain what has happened and get them to tell you what you need to do

MarieG10 · 29/10/2019 13:01

Don't you still have to notify BC for initial approvals?

Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 29/10/2019 13:17

I've messaged CAB to see if they can help. I think so Marie.

OP posts:
Original poster
poloarpanda123 · 29/10/2019 13:19

Sorry Marie, I think maybe that approval is for Planning permission but they should have been notified so they could have seen works in progress.

OP posts:
MarieG10 · 29/10/2019 21:33

We had to give 48 hours notice before work started ...but we were using the LA building inspector so not sure if that makes a difference

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