We're in the process of buying a house, and have had a Homebuyers Survey done, which has recommended that we get some building work checked in the house. The chimney breast in the dining room and bedroom above it have been removed and we need to make sure that it has been safely supported in the roofspace, and won't fall down at any stage in the future.

Does anyone know of any builders who offer a 'checking' service?

You MUST use a structural engineer - not a builder.

Yellow Pages will be able to provide a list of people to call.

Hope that helps.

Originally posted by Bad_Hair_Day
We're in the process of buying a house, and have had a Homebuyers Survey done, which has recommended that we get some building work checked in the house. The chimney breast in the dining room and bedroom above it have been removed and we need to make sure that it has been safely supported in the roofspace, and won't fall down at any stage in the future.

Does anyone know of any builders who offer a 'checking' service?
The original building work SHOULD come with all the guarantess and certificates needed for that type of work. If not then I would walk away.

I think the work was done quite some years ago, it may have been before Building Regulations were introduced.

Anyway, we've been to see our solicitor today and he has written back to theirs asking for proof of the chimney being supported, plans, certificates etc. If they (or the council) can't supply anything, then the next step is to get a builder/structural engineer to check the work is safe (ie by having to knock some plaster off the wall in the loft and look for a supporting beam). If theres a beam there, then we need a Building Regulation certificate (from the council), if there isn't a beam, then one needs putting in, to current building reg. standards.

Either way, we'll continue to go through with the sale, cos we really love the house. If the vendor decides to pull out due to the extra checks being made, then I guess they'd only have to go through this again with the next buyer when they got their survey done, so he wouldnt' be gaining anything by pulling out at this stage in the sale.

Was it the current vendor that had the work done?? Building regulations were introduced around 1964 ish so the work must be old.
If not then they should have had to go through the same procedures as you so the permissions and certificates should already have been issued.
Otherwise you should get a full structural survey done. If I was you I would get the vendor to at least cover half the costs of a survey as no-one will be able to buy the house without it. Its in both of your best interests aswell. There are also new regulations to be enforced relating to house buying in that any vendors now have to provide ALL information relating to the house they are sellingso when YOU come to sell the house you'll have to provide the same level of information you are currently requiring.
Putting a new beam in could cost you money so again you need to negotiate with the vendor a deal to cover the costs so you're not left out of pocket.
I know you like the house and its hard to just accept the problems for an easy life and to avoid stress but be firm but fair. Its more of a buyers market at the moment so you do have some element of power. At the end of the day if they don't sell it to you the next set of people will STILL have to go throgh the same.
Good luck....keep us updated.
More info

here (http://property.msn.co.uk/msn/homes/sguide/sellers_packs1.jsp) :thumbsup: