Hi All
Just wanted to let people know today we finally finished the saga of LBC on our old house. The whole process has taken nearly 14 months and hopefully anyone thinking of not going down the 'proper' route of getting LBC will think again!!!
Our previous cottage was listed. We needed 3 windows replacing and unfortunately chose a rogue builder (who lived in the same village and lived in a listed property) who said we didn't need LBC as the windows were on the side of the property (ie no one can see them) and they were the same as neighbouring properties (oh if only I knew then what I know now!).
A few months later, Sept 06 we decided to sell the cottage, only to be asked by the buyer's solicitors for LBC documentation - which of course we didn't have.
Spoke to a very nice CO who informed us we'd have no chance of getting LBC for the windows we'd put in. We had to replace the new windows with something more appropriate. So we agreed with the purchasers that their solicitors would keep a retainer until the work was done.
Eventually got LBC in March but had to wait until July to get the new windows fitted (we moved house in Feb).
It's taken us since August to get our retainer back, as the buyer's solicitors have been terribly slow.
So the cheque was finally banked today and we have learned our lesson - ALWAYS go through the proper channels - even if it seems like a hassle, because it's nothing compared to the hassle (and time, and more importantly cost) of doing it wrong.
Cheers
Nicole
Just wanted to let people know today we finally finished the saga of LBC on our old house. The whole process has taken nearly 14 months and hopefully anyone thinking of not going down the 'proper' route of getting LBC will think again!!!
Our previous cottage was listed. We needed 3 windows replacing and unfortunately chose a rogue builder (who lived in the same village and lived in a listed property) who said we didn't need LBC as the windows were on the side of the property (ie no one can see them) and they were the same as neighbouring properties (oh if only I knew then what I know now!).
A few months later, Sept 06 we decided to sell the cottage, only to be asked by the buyer's solicitors for LBC documentation - which of course we didn't have.
Spoke to a very nice CO who informed us we'd have no chance of getting LBC for the windows we'd put in. We had to replace the new windows with something more appropriate. So we agreed with the purchasers that their solicitors would keep a retainer until the work was done.
Eventually got LBC in March but had to wait until July to get the new windows fitted (we moved house in Feb).
It's taken us since August to get our retainer back, as the buyer's solicitors have been terribly slow.
So the cheque was finally banked today and we have learned our lesson - ALWAYS go through the proper channels - even if it seems like a hassle, because it's nothing compared to the hassle (and time, and more importantly cost) of doing it wrong.
Cheers
Nicole