Safety, Compliance & Building Regulations
Buying a house is not just about the physical condition of the bricks and mortar; it is also about ensuring the property is legally compliant and safe to inhabit. When undertaking a property survey, checking for adherence to building regulations and identifying potential safety hazards is a crucial part of the process.
Common Compliance and Safety Issues
In the Gloucester area, many properties have been altered or extended over the years. Common issues include loft conversions lacking building regulations approval, missing electrical installation certificates, or replacement windows installed without FENSA certification. Without the correct paperwork, you as the new owner could inherit the liability for these unapproved works. Furthermore, safety concerns such as outdated electrical consumer units, inadequate fire escape routes in converted spaces, or the potential presence of asbestos in older homes require careful professional assessment.
How Expert Assessment Protects You
A comprehensive residential property survey helps to highlight these potential legal and safety pitfalls. During an RICS Level 2 Home Survey, we visually inspect the property to identify obvious safety hazards and flag areas where compliance documentation should be requested by your legal adviser. We help you understand the risks associated with unauthorised alterations so you are not left with unexpected legal headaches after completion.
Taking Action on Unauthorised Alterations
If an inspection reveals significant unauthorised structural changes, such as the removal of a load bearing wall without proper calculations, we will strongly recommend obtaining a Structural Engineer Report to verify if the building remains structurally safe. Resolving compliance issues or carrying out retrospective structural work can be a complex and costly process. In these cases, securing an RICS valuation provides a clear understanding of how these outstanding legal and safety liabilities affect the true market price of the property, giving you the leverage to renegotiate your purchase offer.