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communal authorisation - window replacement
Planning to change to more secure / insulating windows / shutters. Windows company does not have much experience with Brussels communal regulations, but have enquired and been told an authorisation (a 2.5 mth min procedure + fee) is needed because of replacement of some leaded windows by more modern secure windows. However commune also says a post-regularisation can be done. I don't wish to make further direct enquiries with commune in case I just get it done without the communal bureacraucy - not changing anything structural but making the place more secure / insulating - surely a good thing. And it seems to me most who have change changes done don't bother with the commune (including things like colour scheme). So just enquiring about experiences from others. Thanks in advance.
Making unauthorised changes to a property can cause problems when you eventually want to sell it, and in the meantime you always risk the commune ordering you to change the property back to how it was. They are under no obligation to issue a post-regulisation and, although they seem to say that it is possible now, it only needs a policy change for that to become a problem.
Don't forget, too, that the changes could lead to a revision (upwards, of course) of your Cadastral valuation. If the current value is very low (as some are), you could be in for quite a hike.
Not bothering with the commune is a bit like pointing a gun at your foot and not bothering to see if it's loaded. Of course, it might not go off.
Hi we did change windows with no permission we also added velux which we didn't need permissions according to our architect. We aren't in BXL though. I'm sure we do need to inform the commune when all the work is done on our house, because it will affect the cadastral as it's linked to the state of repairs. . However we are waiting till it's all done to notify them. As they have no plans of our house being that they were destroyed in the war, they have only a sketch of the floor. So we think we are reasonably safe although we have changes a few window sizes and no one has complained. In over a year. We upgraded the insulation and added shutters.
I think people do all sorts and hope it won't be noticed. You could be lucky I think as much as anything depends on your neighbours.
