4th bedroom problems(attic conversion) Re-generate an old or tired space and give it a fresh breath of life. Click here for answers, information and tips

[maryrose]

help!! we are in the process of purchasing a 4 bedroomed house, or at least that is what it is being marketed as, by the estate agent .we have now been told that there is no paperwork for the 4th bedroom, and the people we are buying from did not get any papers when they brought it, as far as we can tell, the conversion had velux windows put in in 1994 , to class it as a 4th bedroom, but before that it was classed as temporary sleeping accomidation and storage in 1973, we are getting very confused as to where we stand on this matter, and what should be done.please could anybody give us a clue?

[ALDA]

MARYROSE,

SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THIS IS AN ATTICK CONVERSION AND WHATS MORE HAS PROBABLEY NOT HAD PLANNING APPROVAL AND WILL NOT MEET WITH BUILDING REGS.(SEARCH LOCAL COUNCIL RECORDS. THEY MAY HAVE PLANNING RECORDS WEBSITE).

IF IT HASN'T, THE CURRENT OWNER SHOULD APPLY FOR RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING AND BUILDING APPROVAL, THE GRANTING OF WHICH MAY INVOLVE SOME BUILDING WORKS TO COMPLY.

IT MAY BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AS IS, AT A MUCH REDUCED PURCHASE PRICE TO CARRY THE WORKS OUT YOURSELVES.(CONSULT SOLICITOR TO SEE WHERE YOU STAND ON THIS)
(THEY WILL CARRY OUT SEARCHES IN THIS REGARD AS PART OF THE CONVEYENCING ANYWAY SO A LITTLE BIT OF "PRIORCOMMUNICATION" MAY BE THE ORER OF THE DAY).

I RECOMMEND A FULL STRUCTURAL SURVEY BE AQUIRED BEFORE YOU PROCEDE TO MAKE A FINAL OFFER ON THE PROPERTY.

REGARDS,

ALDA.