Resolve Unauthorised Building Work Safely and Legally.

Expert surveying and regularisation applications to secure your certificate, protect your property's value, and keep your house sale on track.

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Serving Poole & The South Coast

Common Problems We Solve

We manage the intricacies of the Local Authority Building Control process for you.

Missing Certificates

Securing retrospective approval and Completion Certificates for past works done without consent.

Stalled Property Sales

Fast-tracking compliance reviews to resolve paperwork issues holding up your property transaction.

Unsigned Extensions

Providing the structural audits required to regularise historical extensions and internal alterations.

What is Regularisation?

A Regularisation Application is a retrospective pathway to gain Building Regulations approval for work that was previously carried out without the necessary building control notifications or inspections.

If you have discovered unauthorised structural changes, extensions, or conversions, regularisation is the legal process required to prove the work is safe and compliant.

Eligibility: Only applicable for unauthorised works completed on or after 11th November 1985.

The Certificate: Once approved, you receive a Regularisation Certificate, which is essential for securing mortgages, insurance, and successful property transfers.

Our Core Expertise

  • Structural Compliance: Rigorous building control audits to ensure alignment with UK standards.
  • Project Management: Coordinating the entire lifecycle from discovery to final certification.
  • Technical Advisory: Strategic guidance to protect your property's legal standing.

The Path to Compliance

01

Site Inspection

We inspect the works on-site. Some areas may need "opening up" to verify compliance with historical building codes.

02

Submission & Fees

Applications are valid for works completed after Nov 1985. A VAT-free fee is payable upon submission to LBA.

03

Certification

Once works are satisfactorily concluded, a formal Regularisation Certificate is issued for your records.

Transparent Fee Structure

We provide a fixed-cost approach to regularisation, ensuring there are no hidden professional costs during the application process.

Following our initial consultation, you will receive a bespoke fee quote tailored to the scale and complexity of your unauthorised works.

Building Authority Fee

One-Off Payment

This is the statutory fee required to deposit your application with the Local Building Authority.

  • VAT-Free: As a statutory regulatory fee, no VAT is applicable.
  • Fixed Cost: A single payment covers the application until conclusion.
  • Non-Refundable: Covers the authority’s administrative and inspection costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common regularisation concerns.

Will the council force me to tear down my extension?

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It is extremely rare for a council to demand demolition without first offering the chance to regularise. Local authorities prefer buildings to be safe and compliant rather than destroyed. Engaging a Chartered Surveyor to submit a regularisation application is the best way to demonstrate compliance and avoid enforcement action.

My solicitor suggested an Indemnity Policy. Is that enough?

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An indemnity policy is simply an insurance policy that covers the legal costs if the council takes enforcement action; it does not mean the building work is safe or legal. Many modern mortgage lenders will reject indemnity policies for major structural alterations and insist on a formal Regularisation Certificate.

How destructive is "opening up" the works?

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As an ex-local authority surveyor, I know exactly what the council needs to see. We aim to be as minimally invasive as possible. Usually, it involves lifting a few floorboards, exposing a small section of foundation, or creating a small inspection hole near an RSJ (steel beam) to prove it is adequately supported and fire-protected.

What if my unauthorised work was done before 1985?

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Building work completed before 11th November 1985 cannot be regularised under current legislation. In these cases, the council generally cannot take enforcement action due to the time elapsed. If you are selling a pre-1985 property, we can advise your solicitor on the correct terminology to satisfy the buyer.

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Was the building work carried out on or after 11th November 1985?

Regularisation only applies to works completed after this date.

What type of work needs regularising?

Are you currently trying to sell the property?

The Expert Advantage

Successful regularisation requires an "insider" understanding of how local building authorities assess retrospective works.

Ex-Local Authority Surveyor: Having spent years as a surveyor and building control officer for a local building authority, I know exactly what inspectors look for during an "opening up" and how to present compliance evidence that meets their specific requirements.

Chartered RICS SurveyorMy practice is held to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, providing the assurance that solicitors and mortgage lenders demand.

Bespoke Private Advocacy: I bridge the gap between the property owner and Building Control, acting as your professional advocate to resolve unauthorised works and secure your Regularisation Certificate.

MRICS

Chartered Professional

25+

Years Experience