ellieh89

@jamieled think this is our backup plan. Just not overly ideal - we haven’t really got the capacity to go through everything we need at the moment and could do with a few months of saving a bit more. But will have to figure it out if this is our only option

We are not living on site at the moment - fortunately we have family near by. Understand we need to pay council tax on move in regardless of BC sign off - no problem here. Biggest concern is losing out on the VAT reclaim and not having timing to get everything sorted for sign off. @Ferdinand sorry, what do you mean by meanings?

Hi All, Hoping someone can unravel an issue I think I have caused myself by using private BC. We are full speed ahead to move into our self build by Christmas. The house won’t be finished, but should be liveable. For reasons I won’t go into, we will do everything in our power to be in the house for Christmas (I can almost hear the eye rolls!). We have planning permission for a garage that we plan to start in the new year and will need to landscape (including a raised patio) once the weather improves. After a conversation with our Building Inspector and rereading the initial contract, I think I am backed into a corner with having to get final sign off within 8 weeks of moving into our property. My particular concern is the below para ‘ It is the Client’s responsibility to notify AI Ltd at completion of work or when the works become occupied to enable us to carry out a final inspection. Regulation 17 of the Approved Inspector Regulations state that if a Final Certificate is not issued within 8 weeks of occupation or substantial completion (domestic projects) or within 4 weeks of occupation or substantial completion (projects were the RRO applies) the Initial Notice shall cease to be in force. Should the Initial Notice cease to be in force as a result of the Client’s failure to inform us within the above timescales AI Ltd shall not be liable for any costs, losses, claims or other expenses that may arise as a consequence of the responsibility for building control passing to the Local Authority.’ I’m awaiting clarity on what is required for final sign off, but the above seems fairly black and white that if we move into a substantially complete home, we have to get sign off sorted within 8 weeks. Which will then mean we can’t include garage / landscaping in our VAT reclaim. I think I’ve sealed my own fate by going with private BC and not paying enough attention to the small print, but would appreciate if anyone has any guidance or solutions. Thanks!