Tiled Roof On A Conservatory

[KTMsm]

My Mum is looking at a house and it has had a tiled roof fitted to the conservatory and plastered ceiling

It appears to be relying on the UPVC windows and the (presumably fitted) support bars on the corners

It looks dodgy to me - am I missing something or is this the norm ?

[Cow Corner]

There are lightweight systems which can be used for this purpose, but getting this confirmed by the vendor may be difficult - i'd be wanting to know if the current roof had been retrofitted (I would assume it was).

Taking a more pragmatic view, from the moss etc on the roof, if looks like it might have been there for a few years, so are there any signs of structural issues (cracking of finishes, bowing of frames, sagging in roof, windows that don't open and close easily etc).

I would be considering the usual caveats that generally apply with any conservatory - they are generally cheaply constructed and installed by cowboys, offer poor thermal performance (hot in summer, cold in winter etc). For some reason, older people lover conservatories, but when my mum bought a similar house, I asked her to imagine if she still thought the asking price would be fair if the conservatory didn't exist.

[Equus]

Cow Corner said:

There are lightweight systems which can be used for this purpose, but getting this confirmed by the vendor may be difficult - i'd be wanting to know if the current roof had been retrofitted (I would assume it was).

This.

But just to add that if it has a tiled roof - whether or not retrofitted - then it ceases to be a 'conservatory' that is exempt under Building Regulations.

Therefore it's perfectly reasonable - again, whether or not it was originally built like that, or retrofitted - to ask to see evidence of the Building Regulations approval (some of the lightweight systems have 'national type approval' via LABC Registered Details, but there should be documentation to support this, if it's the case).

More information HERE

Edited by Equus on Saturday 10th February 12:32

[KTMsm]

Thanks

Unfortunately the vendor has died

Mum likes it but it's new on the market and approx 100k over priced IMO

I'll ask the Agent but I'm guessing there won't be a record

[James6112]

Looks Ok & bound to be more useable than a conservatory.
Surely the survey would pick up any issues?

[RATATTAK]

Ring Building Regs and ask if it has a completion certificate or get your solicitor to do this.

[Cow Corner]

RATATTAK said:

Ring Building Regs and ask if it has a completion certificate or get your solicitor to do this.

Don’t do this without being aware of the potential impacts. Enforcement by the local authority is unlikely (but possible) but it may also void an indemnity policy (which is what the conveyancing solicitor will likely recommend to deal with any lack of Building Control sign off).

Some local authorities show Building Control applications on their website or if you’re at that stage, the standard conveyancing searches will include these.