# Opinion of Compliance Dublin | Engineer's Cert for Sale > Opinion of compliance from a Chartered Engineer in Dublin for extensions, knock-throughs and attic conversions you're selling or remortgaging. Fixed fee. URL: https://structuralengineer.ie/opinion-of-compliance/ # Opinion of Compliance from a Chartered Engineer in Dublin The certificate a buyer's solicitor asks for when an extension, knock-through or attic conversion doesn't come with paperwork, issued by an engineer who has actually looked. [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764) [Get a fixed fee](#quote) _Image: Engineer inspecting the junction of a rear kitchen extension and the original house in Dublin_ - Planning and Development Regulations (exempted development) - TGD A Structure - BCAR S.I. 9 of 2014 - Building Control Regulations 1997–2015 Last updated: 14 October 2026 · Reviewed by Joachim Louw, CEng MIEI [StructuralEngineer.ie](https://structuralengineer.ie/) issues an engineer's opinion of compliance for homes across Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. It's the document a buyer's solicitor or lender asks for when works such as an extension, a removed wall, an attic conversion or a garage conversion were done without statutory certificates. Joachim Louw (CEng MIEI) inspects the works, checks them against the planning exemptions and the Building Regulations, and signs an opinion based on what could be seen and verified. An opinion is only as good as the inspection behind it. Work that was inspected during construction can be certified with confidence. Work that is already covered can sometimes only be certified after limited opening-up. Your fee is fixed in writing before the visit. ## What happens on the first visit The engineer starts with the paperwork: planning history, any drawings, and the dates of the works. Then comes a visual inspection of the works themselves. The question is whether the structure can be shown to comply, and whether the works were exempted development or had permission. - Review planning history, drawings and any existing certificates - Measure the extension against the exempted development limits for its date - Inspect for cracking, deflection and signs of movement - Check what can be verified about foundations, steel and roof structure - Identify anything that needs limited opening-up to verify - Agree the wording and scope of the opinion with you and your solicitor ## What an opinion of compliance can and can't say An opinion of compliance states that, in the engineer's professional opinion and based on the inspection carried out, the works comply with the planning exemptions or permission and with the Building Regulations. The scope is set out in the document. Many engineers use the wording published by the professional bodies and the Law Society for this purpose. It is not a guarantee, and it isn't a BCAR Certificate of Compliance on Completion, which is a statutory certificate for works inspected under an inspection plan from the start. Where a steel beam is boxed in and there are no records, the opinion can only cover it if it can be verified. That often means opening a small section of ceiling to see the beam and its bearings. ## Selling, remortgaging and getting it done in time Opinions of compliance usually come up late in a sale, when the buyer's solicitor raises requisitions on title. Start early: ask your solicitor which works need covering as soon as you decide to sell, so any opening-up or remedial work can happen before a closing date is set. Where works don't comply, for example an extension over the exemption limit, the options include retention planning permission and remedial works, followed by the opinion. The engineer will tell you plainly which applies. ## What's included - Review of planning history and existing paperwork - Inspection by a Chartered Engineer - Check against the exemption limits for the works' date - Structural assessment of the visible works - Advice on any opening-up needed to verify hidden elements - Signed opinion of compliance in the standard format - Direct liaison with your solicitor on wording - Remedial advice if something doesn't comply Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. ## Opinion of compliance vs BCAR certificate vs nothing What each one gives a buyer's solicitor. | Check | No certificate | Opinion after the fact | Inspected during works | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Accepted by most buyers' solicitors | No | usually | Yes | | Hidden steel and foundations verified | No | only if opened up | Yes | | Planning exemption checked | No | Yes | Yes | | Delays at closing | likely | possible | unlikely | Sources - [gov.ie: Commencement Notices and BCAR](https://www.gov.ie/en/service/ebb3b-commencement-notices) - [Ask About Money: engineer's cert discussion](https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/engineers-cert.201642/) - [Kelleher Associates: 2026 planning exemption regulations](https://www.kelleherassociates.ie/new-2026-planning-exemptions-regulations-come-into-effect/) Talk to the engineer 01 270 9764 Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00. Callback the same working day. [Call now](tel:+35312709764) Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. Standards we design to - Planning and Development Regulations (exempted development) - TGD A Structure - BCAR S.I. 9 of 2014 - Building Control Regulations 1997–2015 Before you book: costs and rules - [Opinion of Compliance vs Certificate of Compliance: The Difference](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/opinion-of-compliance-vs-certificate-of-compliance/) - [45m2 Extension Exemption: What Changed in July 2026](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/45m2-extension-exemption/) - [BCAR Extension Rules: Assigned Certifier or Opt-Out Over 40m2?](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/bcar-extension-over-40m2/) - [Chartered Engineer vs Engineer: Who Can Sign Off Your Works?](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/chartered-engineer-vs-engineer/) How the job runs ## How an opinion of compliance is prepared - 01 ### Call and fixed quote Tell us the works, their dates and your closing timeline. You get a fixed fee in writing. - 02 ### Paperwork review Planning history, drawings and existing certificates are reviewed. - 03 ### Inspection A visual inspection, plus limited opening-up only where it's needed to verify. - 04 ### Signed opinion The signed opinion of compliance, sent to you and your solicitor. Selling and need a cert? Start before your closing date is set. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764) [Request a fixed fee](#quote) Questions ## Opinions of compliance: common questions **What is an opinion of compliance?** It is a signed statement from an engineer or architect that, in their professional opinion and based on their inspection, works on a property comply with planning (exemption or permission) and with the Building Regulations. Solicitors use it on sales and remortgages for works that don't have statutory BCAR certificates. **Can an engineer certify an extension built years ago?** Often yes, but only to the extent it can be verified. The engineer checks planning compliance for the date it was built, inspects for defects, and verifies what can be seen. Hidden elements such as foundations or boxed-in steel may need limited opening-up. If there were no records and nothing can be verified, the opinion will say so. **How long does an opinion of compliance take?** A straightforward case is one inspection and a few working days for the document. Where opening-up or remedial work is needed, it takes longer, which is why it's worth starting as soon as you decide to sell. **What's the difference between an opinion of compliance and a BCAR certificate?** A BCAR Certificate of Compliance on Completion is a statutory certificate for works over the thresholds, such as extensions over 40 m², inspected under a plan from commencement and lodged with the building control authority. An opinion of compliance is a professional opinion, used for exempt works or works done without statutory certification. **What areas do you cover?** Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area (Kildare, Meath and Wicklow). Site visits are booked from the Blackrock office. Site visit usually within 5 working days. ## Related services [### Extensions Foundations, steel and BCAR sign-off for rear and side extensions, including the new 45 m² exemption.](https://structuralengineer.ie/structural-engineer-for-extensions/) [### Load-Bearing Wall Removal Steel beam and padstone design, propping, inspection and a signed certificate for knock-throughs.](https://structuralengineer.ie/load-bearing-wall-removal/) [### Structural Surveys Pre-purchase structural survey with clear limits and a written report before you sign.](https://structuralengineer.ie/structural-survey/) Next step Get a fixed fee for an opinion of compliance Call [01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764), or send the details and we'll call you back. Request a fixed engineering fee Prefer to talk? [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764). A live person answers during office hours.