On Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:56:47 -0700, a particular chimpanzee,
randomly hit the keyboard and produced:

I'm in the process of buying a terraced house where the owners have
knocked through the lounge/dining room to create one large space.
Doesn't look like Building Regs approval was sought, my building
survey noted this should be checked etc.

Looks like the thorugh lounge space was created 25+ years ago by the
owner, looks like an RSJ has been used but I'm not in a position to
know if it's supported correctly or the beam is the correct size.

Would be council grant this retrospectively, or is this just planning
permission?

How would this be handled the seller got a structural engineer to
confirm its was good for 20 years ago but not for today?

If the work was done after Nov 1985, then a Building Regulations
Regularisation certificate can be applied for. This will involve
exposing part of the beam and the bearings to establish that they are
adequate for the loadings (which may involve a structural engineer's
report), and that the beam has the requisite 2x12mm plasterboard or
13mm plaster to give 30 minutes fire resistance. It has to meet the
requirements that were in force _when_ the work was carried out.
Saying that, the requirements for steel beams haven't changed by much,
if at all.

If it was carried out before Nov 1985, then a Regularisation
certificate can't be issued. If so, it's then down to a structural
engineer to check and report that it's fit for the purpose. You would
then keep hold of this report to show any subsequent buyers.

If I were you, I'd make it the current owners responsibility,
including making good.
--
Hugo Nebula
"If no-one on the internet wants a piece of this,
just how far from the pack have you strayed?"