Temporary occupation

[toopinbear]

Hi there, we are nearing the end of our project and wondering whether we might be able to move in under temporary occupancy. The interior is basically finished and the main works to be completed are outside eg some groundworks, decking etc. - quite a bit to do outside and we are using concrete blocks as steps to enter / exit etc. We don’t have fully signed off electrics yet but kitchen, bathroom, stairs etc. are all in and functional. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether the above would be sufficient for temporary occupancy (in highland LA area if that helps)? I figured it would be a lesser standard than “complete” but not sure by how much.

[JohnMo]

I really wouldn't ask the question.

[ProDave]

You can certainly get a certificate of temporary habitation but you will need electric certificate and gas safe if any gas in the property.

 

They have to determine the building is safe, not finished. So proper ramped level access not needed but some safe means of entry is.  they will expect working heating. kitchen and at least one functioning bathroom.

[toopinbear]

Thanks both! Can I ask why you wouldn’t ask JohnMo? And by safe access - we have concrete steps and a wee ramp thing that’s not got handrails - I guess we could put something on temporarily if we needed to, I’m just wondering if it’s worth doing it (and if it will entail a lot of hassle) or just waiting when we’re only 2-3 months away from being finished. We can fortunately stay with family so just weighing up whether this will just mean more work.

[ProDave]

It costs nothing to apply for a temporary habitation so why not do it.

 

Think of it as a pre completion inspection, you might get some guidance on how you ar doing and anything that needs completing / correcting for completion.

[JohnMo]

46 minutes ago, toopinbear said:

Thanks both! Can I ask why you wouldn’t ask JohnMo? 

Your going to do what you are going to do, and asking the question will not change, what you are going to do.

 

Dave says, make safe, you say it not worth the hassle, we will just wait.

[recoveringbuilder]

Agree with @ProDave, we got temporary habitation at the beginning of lockdown as our garage was on the same building warrant and wasn’t finished. It worked out fine as the inspector pointed out anything that needed done to get full habitation and he never returned, we just had to send him photos.

[toopinbear]

Thanks @recoveringbuilderand @ProDave, that’s helpful food for thought!

[jamieled]

Be aware that even within the same LA there is a wide variation on the approach taken to temp habitation. We were refused despite having almost everything done, and all sign offs of electrics and invented cylinder, mvhr etc. Also in Highland area. Depends on your inspector I think.