john k

I am thinking of adding a loft conversion to my 1950s bungalow. On inspecting the roof, the tiles appear to be in good condition but the old original underfelt has repairs all over it. There are no leaks which I can see. I understand that holes in the felt are not all bad as they can supply plenty of air into the 50mm gap required by building regs between the tiles and insulation and many houses built prior to 1930 didn't have any underfelt anyway! Also I reckon the insulation will stop the flexing of the felt on windy days and may actually help preserve it. But here's the rub! With old 1950s underfelt it is obviously breaking down and will continue to do so. So, if I do spring a leak via a cracked tile and water does manage to get between the tiles and insulation I won't see it, as even the plasterboard will be foil backed. The question is, should I have it re roofed (will obviously cost me an arm and a leg) or just go ahead and hope for the best, or is it not really an issue? I will be interested in any comments or thoughts on it.

I am building a loft conversion and was wondering if I can get a grant to help with the cost of insulation. I can't find the answer to this as it seems to apply only to existing loft space or rooms. Thanks

It was me who asked them to delete it in case the LA checked.

I didn't know I could. I'll look into that but it will probably cost me a lot more but it may be worth it.

I have been offered an indemnity but with limited scope because I did call them not realising the consequences. I am just wauting to see if the buyers accept it. If they don't then it will be via the Building Control. Yes the builder should have told me but he didn't. Thanks

That's what someone else told me. Maybe they will give me a regularization certificate without any problem. I hope that will be the case anyway. Cheers

Thanks, someone else said similar. It has been removed from the site now so it can't be viewed, but the plan drawer added his own ideas of what it was even though I told the estate agent is was storage only. As I said I told the buyers it was for storage only and they were happy with that. Cheers

I have a loft which has been used for years as storage. The floor is suspended so not on the ceiling joists and also has a fixed starcase leading up to it. Three years ago I had two dormer windows fitted by a good builder after geting planning permission from the local authority. Now I am selling and it appears that I should have got Building Regs too. No one told me this and neither did the planning office or my builder. Now I am in the position where I may have to obtain a Regularization certificate to counter the lack of Building regs. I am worried if the inspector might see the space as habitable space as it has been plasterboarded and carpeted. I have looked on the internet and it states that they can't make you remove or alter anythng which was completed over 12 months ago. I can't get an indemnity as I contacted the local authority, so what can they do if they do come round? Thanks in advance.