Awake worrying about this and could do with some guidance on how to get this resolved
We have recently had a small extension to our home. Although small, we paid for an architect to design in as wanted to maximise the light.
BACKGROUND BELOW
The architects drew up a plan and one of the suggestions was a window seat...lovely
They submitted to planning and permission was granted
The architects also arranged for a structural engineer to give building control plans with calcs etc
The architects introduced us to a builder they recommended (we also got several other quotes to gauge value for money and quality etc)
We opted out of using a project planner as it's 15m sq so not a big or complicated space
The builder engaged with building control who (up until today) have visited twice with the head builder... we haven't been involved in these discussions as was to check foundations and steel beam
The builder uses their own contractors for things like electrics/flooring etc
The builder recommended a glazing company for the fixed window for the window seat
AND NOW TO THE ISSUE...
Building control came today to do a sign off and the builders weren't present. One of the areas they had concerns over was the big glass panel/window behind the window seat and said 'can you get the certificate showing this is safety glass as it's below the threshold from floor to first window'?
This was the first we've ever heard that it should be safety glass. It makes sense as people are sitting against it but hasn't been mentioned by anyone
We've checked...it's not safety glass! This now means we have the get the window pain replaced to comply with building control
So to my question..,, I have checked through the architects drawings which specify the size of windows, the structural drawings which specify the thickness of walls around the window, the emails with the glazing company who came to look and measure and the communications with the builder. No one has pointed out that this should be safety glass.
This is going to cost us as it's quite a big panel. Is this on us to pay for or do we have recourse to pick this up with someone else and challenge (and if so, who?)
Help appreciated as I'm panicking (as you can tell from middle of the night post!!)