PROJECTS GRAND BUILD
Before sign-off, make sure that all the light fittings and plug sockets work
All present and correct Make vital final snagging and paperwork checks before moving into your self-build There are a few essential steps to take once the building, decorating and installation work of your home is pretty much finished. This is because you will need a formal completion certificate from your local authority before you can move in. It shows that the
main stages of the building works have been finished to a satisfactory standard and that all the conditions of planning permission and Building Regulations have been successfully met.
Ready for inspection You should have been given a guide completion date by your contractor – ideally it will have been written into your building contract. Once that date is reached and your home is nearly ready to be moved
in to, your contractor should notify you or your surveyor, project manager or homebuilding package supplier that the property requires an inspection. If everything is in place for handover, the formal application to the local authority can be made for the official completion certificate to be produced. This is one of the most important official documents you’ll be given during your self-build. Without it, your project is not proven
to be built and finished to a satisfactory standard and you won’t officially be allowed to live in it. The certificate doesn’t prove that there aren’t any hidden problems and it isn’t an insurance cover, but if you ever decide to sell your home, the buyer will ask to see this documentation. You should also bear in mind that you won’t be able to apply to HMRC to reclaim VAT without one. Inspection will usually involve a visit MAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER 2021 77
