DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi there,

Hoping (quite desperately) for some good advice...

We are trying to buy a flat - progress has been incredibly slow due to the seller/her solicitor and we are fast running out of time.

The property was re-roofed in January and a copy of the building regs approval was requested in February. After no action from seller's solicitor, I rang the roofer who completed the work yesterday to get a copy. He said that approval wasn't needed, but sounded really shifty and got me off the phone sharpish.

Basically, he hasn't complied with building regs. I think the timbers need reinforcing and insulation will need to be improved. Assuming all other outstanding matters are sorted, we will need to apply for retrospective approval.

So I would love to know:

A). Are council building controllers usually sympathetic/helpful in this situation and
B). roughly how much does it cost to do the works listed above?

We are desperate to get this sorted - any advice really gratefully received. Thanks so much.

if the roof was just reroofed using the same materials then building regulations is not required. Any structural alterations like a new dormer will have needed planning permission.
Also if the attic space was converted from a storage space to a living space then that would need building control inspection.
As for retrospective planning consent that will only be answered by the planning committee, I suggest you have your own structural survey done before signing completion

I agree, get your own structural survey done before you get in contact with the planning so you know exactly what has and hasn't been done to the roof.