The Pain Of Finding Old Building Regulations When Selling Your House

When selling a house, a surveyor may need to find old building regulations in order to ensure that the property is up to code and safe for potential buyers. Finding these regulations can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research, it is possible to find the information that is needed.

The first place to start when looking for old building regulations is with the local government. Many municipalities keep records of building regulations for properties within their jurisdiction. These records can often be found online, or they can be requested in person at the local building department. Additionally, the local historical society may have records of building regulations dating back to the time when the property was constructed.

Another place to look for old building regulations is with the previous owners of the property. They may have kept records of any renovations or building work that was done on the property, and these records may include information about the regulations that were followed at the time. Additionally, they may have a copy of the original building plans, which can provide valuable information about the construction of the property.

Another option is to look for old building regulations in newspapers and other publications from the time when the property was built. These publications may contain articles about new building regulations and codes that were in effect during that time period. Additionally, it's possible to check with the architect or builder who built the property to see if they have any records or plans.

Lastly, it's important to note that if your property is listed as a heritage building or protected by a conservation order, the local authority would have a copy of the original plans and building codes used during the time of construction.

In conclusion, finding old building regulations for a surveyor when selling a house may take some time and effort, but by starting with the local government, previous owners, publications, architect and builder, and heritage building records, a surveyor should be able to find the information that is needed. It's also important to note that if the building is found not to meet the current building codes, the owner will be responsible for bringing the building up to code before selling.