Retrospective building regs

[Frumpylab]

Anyone needed to get retrospective building regs for a property purchase? And how much time did it take? I know it will vary between authorities but I'm wondering if it is a matter of a week or a whole load worse?! Aaaaaagggggghhhhh

It really depends what kind of retrospective building regs you need. Is it a case of the removal of a load bearing wall or was it more complex like an extension? In our case, the council came twice for the load bearing wall and came 4 times for the extension. For retrospective regs you have to be prepared for the council to do some digging about to make sure correct materials were used etc. It also depends your council, some are more relaxed than others, from what I have read.

What are they for? How long was the work done and have you contacted the council?

We did it ahead of selling a few years ago, we had photos/invoices/emails etc that satisfied the council so it was quick and easy. Not an extension though, just a reno with some structural work, relocation of bathroom etc. probably took a couple of weeks from applying to getting the certificate.

Thanks for replies. Its for an extension with no regs but might predate 1982 or whenever that was introduced. No record of dates....

To be honest of it was done that long ago and still standing with no cracks or signs of fatigue I wouldn't worry about building regs. None of the Victorian houses here have proper foundations. If someone suggests an indemnity really that's just money for old rope - the council isn't going to come along and enforce anything very few years old (unless it's listed as they get very antsy about any changes).

Get a structural engineer to look at it if you are worried at all. Far more important than a piece of paper.

100% agree with this. If it was build that long ago, I would prefer a structural engineer looking at it instead of some old building regs.

Ok thanks this is really useful advice. Our solicitor also suggested structural engineer and indemnity combo as a more timely alternative. Useful to know others agree with this route.