Dear Illustrious community,

Nearing completeion of our beautiful small strawbale /timber building. I have two main questions I'd much appreciate help with:-
1) 5 years ago we obtained pp for two buildings on our 1 acre site - a house and a studio. We have spent that 5 years building the smaller of the 2 buildings, the studio. As far as we were aware there was no difference between the purpose and therefore standards of build/design/regs for them both. The building far exceeds regs for thermal performance and those connected with energy efficiency. Our long time buidling inspector left the company and we have been passed on to someone else. Somehow the building has been given the epithet of "outbuilding" along the way to distinguish it from the larger building which, it was presumed, would be our dwelling. As I say, we have never considered it as anything other than a dwelling. We will not now build the bigger building as we are ragged, exhausted and poor now. Are there any problems with this building being considered our home that anyone can see and if so, what are the main differences in requirements between the two categories as far as building regs are concerned. Of course it has never been considered an outbuilding as far as building regs have gone - witness the endless posts here by me over the years!
2) We are desperate to move in so as not to face a 5th winter in a caravan in an exhausted state. Please would someone clarify to me the problem with moving in before we officially get it signed off (we have not built with a mortgage.) Is it just an issue of Building Regs. company not wanting to be held accountable for any possible problems? More importantly, is there a way around this? I'm having great trouble identifying what constitutes readiness to be "signed off". Any clarification much appreciated!
Carol

move in quick

Oh and what company did your building inspector leave?

How would forum members suggest Carol handle the issue of council tax ? Postal address ?

If you want it to be all legal and above board you will probably need to get the planning permission amended but that might not be difficult given you want to build less than you currently have permission for.

There is no reason why you can't move in without Building Control approval but best aim to get it done. There should be no reason why you cant get a completion cert for the building. Final inspection should only be a formality if you've done everything right.

I suppose if there were an accident that wouldn't have happened had you got Building Control Approval then the insurance co might try to reduce your claim on the grounds you were negligent.