Extension Blues

Household extensions are a frequent source of dispute, although in most cases the dispute is between the property owner and the builder. It is not often that one sees problems arising because there is an issue with the building itself, rather than the extension.

In a recent case, however, a householder went to see an architect because he wished to add an extension to a property he had owned for three years. The architect noticed that the house itself differed considerably from the plans that had been approved by the local council at the time it was built. That was bad enough, but things got worse. The pre-commencement conditions for the building could not be shown to have been discharged, which meant that the house itself was in breach of planning regulations.

No plans had been provided when the man had subsequently purchased the house and the planning consent granted was not clear. Unsurprisingly, he claimed damages from the conveyancer who acted for him on the purchase of the property.

The moral is that when undertaking a property transaction, make sure you use a reputable firm, which is covered by insurance and has proper complaints and disciplinary procedures. All solicitors are obliged to meet these criteria.

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