Simon, the problem was that these people were given good sensible advice
from someone who knows what they are doing, but they decided to ignore it.
My advice to you, as a professional myself, is to find your own Chartered
Architect or Building Surveyor who knows what they are doing, and make sure
you follow their advice. It may cost a few hundred bucks up front, but it
could save you thousands.
I will be using an architect, but above response sounds a bit uppity
(!)
Can anyone tell me what was wrong with the rooms in question ?
Simon.