Building control

[Mummy]

Hi Everyone, I need some advise as I’m worried sick. I live in a housing association house and have done some home improvements without permission or building regs. I have had a load bearing wall removed and an RSJ fitted in between the living and dining room. Another wall (non load bearing) but brick also removed to connect the hallway to the open plan area of the dining and living rooms. I have had a shed built and a new bathroom fitted. I have had a letter saying someone has reported the shed and now a building control officer wants to check it’s not an extension and I’m cacking myself in case they ask about the walls. If they do should I just be honest? I don’t want to risk eviction. I know I should have sought permission first but now it’s done what can I do to protect my self and keep the housing association and building control happy? Please help

[james_law]

Hi,

you should not have done anything without permission. The very likely repercussions are that they maybe able to claim damages or order you to put back to how it was. The shed will very likely not be an issue and probably the new bathroom wont be either. If you want to take the bathroom with you if you ever move then you will need to put it back to original.

The removal of the walls are going to be an issue once they find out.

[Mummy]

Hi,

you should not have done anything without permission. The very likely repercussions are that they maybe able to claim damages or order you to put back to how it was. The shed will very likely not be an issue and probably the new bathroom wont be either. If you want to take the bathroom with you if you ever move then you will need to put it back to original.

The removal of the walls are going to be an issue once they find out.

Yes I know and you a right. But do you know what I should or can do to protect myself? I have been reading a lot about building control and they state that they deal with breaches all the time (A breach is not a criminal offence). Their website says that in situations where a breach has been made they will be able to help by doing a regularisation of the work. Which is basically getting someone to check it and sign it off. I am not sure if an enforcement will be taken against me as it is down to them. I wish I hadn't listened to my husband. All this was his idea and I said the walls should be left alone. But he went on and on until I gave in. I know there is no point in worrying about all that now as it's done. My name is on that tenancy, not his. So it's gonna come bite me in the behind. But I feel that I (will not get away with it as such) but will be able to work closely with building control and the housing to have things signed off and amended if needed. I truly believe that this is not the first time a tenant has made a booboo, and to be honest (although no permission was granted) they will see that the house is completely safe and well maintained. We love this house, it's our home and we have invested thousands into making it beautiful. I don't see why as long as it is signed off by building control there should be an issue. I mean, like I said, people are people right! People make mistakes. So what are the housing gonna do! They can see I pay my rent on time, in fact I am in credit. I have no antisocial complaints. I keep my house in order and am decorating to the highest possible standard. Investing in marble counter tops for the bathroom, having the garden landscaped, have paid for an electrician to sign off all electrical things in the house and all at my own expense. I guess I am just looking for someone to tell me what to do to ensure I can stay living in my home and get this all resolved with as little hassle as possible.

[james_law]

Hi,

You have two choices really, you either plead ignorance and wait til they find out and then plead more ignorance, or you notify them of the changes you have made.

On a plus side for them you have potentially increased the value of the property, all free of charge to them.

If you need some more advice regarding this then I'd wait for a more experienced member to post.

hope this helps,

[wales01man]

Building control may ask for the calculations for the beam ask you expose the foundations of the wall the beam is sitting on an evertyhing that should have been done before the work was carried out and a fee will need to be paid to them if not satisfied with the work can order its reinstatement back to original. If you rent the property the owner may insist the remedial work is carried out by an approved contractor together with with plans and stucteral engineer fees .

[Mummy]

Thanks I hope that’s the case. I am happy for them to expose the beam and check everything off. To be honest it will be nice to have it all signed off properly and then I can breathe again and focus on nicer things.