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Writer's pictureNoel Tate

When is a Bedroom NOT a Bedroom?

This type of issue pops up occasionally. House was built in 2000 and so the original bedroom sizes should have been a minimum of 7.1 meters squared. However, the 3rd bedroom was just 6.4 meters squared. How was this the case?



It turns out, when the house was built, the 3rd bedroom size was 7.2 meters squared, but later when the current owner was having the attic converted, the wall of the bedroom had been moved to accommodate a new attic stairs which reduced the room size to 6.4 meters squared.


This floor plan shows the layout of the house when it was built with all 3 bedrooms larger than 7.1 m2
Layout of 1st Floor when Built
This floor plan shows the layout of the 1st floor after the stairs for the attic had been added reducing the side of the 3rd bedroom to 6.4m2
Layout of 1st Floor After Attic Conversion



This should have been noted on the Certificate of Compliance with Building Regulations for the work to covert the attic, but in this case there was no cert available.


The results here will be a more complex job for the solicitor to qualify the title which will likely lead to delays in the sale. The vendor also has to make a decision and

1: Pull out of the sale 

2: Attempt to renegotiate as they are no longe buying a 3-bed house or 

3: Proceed knowing they are technically buying a 2-bed house and may face a lower sale price in future if selling.


On the surface, cases like this may seem trivial, but if the buyer chooses to ignore and proceed, they would likely face issues in future if they were to resell.


This is another great example of why it is important to hire a qualified professional to conduct a pre purchase survey BEFORE you sign contracts. Even if the house looks in great condition, there are many possible issues which an untrained eye might not pick up.


If you are Sale Agreed and looking for a surveyor, download our Sample Survey so you can see the level of detail our team go into.



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