Building Certificate

[mrs_overall]

We had a 2 storey extension built last year. The building inspector only came once, to inspect the foundations. Should we have been issued with a certificate once the work was completed? (I can't ask the builder we used because we are not speaking to each other)

[ubasses]

The building inspector came out to our's at several different stages, then a final inspection after which we got the certificate. It will cerainly be needed if you come to sell.

[mrs_overall]

Thanks for that. Do you know if we can contact the building inspectors office direct or does it have to be sorted through the builder?

[sherrardk]

Contact the building inspector direct - it will probably incur a cost to get it signed of though.

[jackthehat]

The Building Control Officer ought to have visited at specified stages throughout the construction. As they are the department which will issue the Certificate 'phone them and confirm that all the visits were carried out and that they are prepared to issue the Approval Notice.

[sherrardk]

This might help - http://www.planningpo.../buildingregulations/

[mrs_overall]

Thanks to you all. I'll get Mr O to phone them tomorrow xx

[ubasses]

We did it all ourself, only problem was some new regs had come in by the time we applied due to some hold up's and they made us put them in as well. Could have fought it but decided it would be much easier to just comply, none of them were major. Contact your local council to get it sorted

[The Builder]

Legally, Mrs Overhang, the builder is responsible for complying with the Regs.
There should have been several stage visits.
Phone local district council and ask for Building Control, and explain the situation.
If the builder is being a div (quite likely), then for your peace of mind, Building Control might arrange to carry out retrospective inspections.
There was a time when some of them didn't issue a Completion Certificate, but I think I'm safe in saying that sense has prevailed and they all do now.

[mrs_overall]

Monsieur le Builder - it is possible the BI came out at various stages and we never saw him.
Yes, the builder turned out to be a complete div. (he was Mr O's friend for 20 years. It just goes to show you should never mix friends and business)

[The Builder]

Yes, it's quite possible Mrs Ovary. Inspections don't usually take very long, provided all is OK.
Building Control will have a complete record of visits. They're very helpful. You'll know just where you stand tomorrow :o)

[spotit3]

As a previous caller stated, Mrs O, the important time you will need it is if you ever want to sell as no buyer could get a mortgage without it so best to get it sorted now.