Installing Gas Central Heating

goldbyron

Hi

My partner lives in a converted flat (top floor of three in an old Victorian house). I live on the middle and a neighbour on the ground floor. Both of us has GCH and my partner wants to install - we are hoping to sell in 2 years and thinks this will increase interest and also for own use in interim.

She has contacted National Grid and got a quote for works. The neighbour on the bottom is a bit of an unpredictable person and is being difficult signing the permission for the works to be carried out. My partner has offered a copy of the NG's contract however she wants 'more information'. We are not sure what the work involves and we hope that the HG will not have to dig the pathway as there is already gas installed to my property. I would have thought the work consists of a meter being fixed and some minor works which wouldn't affect neighbour. Does anyone know what is involved?

Finally does GCH mean all carpets need to be taken up or is there a way around this?

Thanks very much.

cattie

Is it a leasehold property you own? If so I would have thought it the freeholder who has to be in agreement, not the ground floor neighbour, unless of course the works needed will encroach on her property.

Do you have a managing agent who you could speak to about neighbour being awkward or do all leaseholders in building have share of freehold?

If there is already gas to the house, I'm not sure why your gf has only contacted National Grid. Isn't she able to get quotes from other companies as there is already gas to the property?

WiseInvestor_2

I'm in a similar position with gas installed in the flat downstairs.

Does anybody know how much I can expect to be connected and have a meter fitted (no digging required)?

Thanks
WI

goldbyron

This is an update to my above problem. My partner approached the neighbour again this afternoon who is being so difficult regarding GCH that she is now not able to have it installed. The neighbour was stating she wasn't happy with the 'making good' process e.g concrete being laid and even that it may still be wet when she comes home! She is being overly controlling regarding where to put the meter box and mentioned 'what if the rendering needs replacing'. To put this into context she has been very difficult before (she recently didn't contribute to a new flat roof we needed due to leaks and a slipped roof tile this week). I know for certain she has fabricated or exaggerated insurance claims and is very quick to threaten to sue (in a shop etc). An example is that my freezer defrosted and a small leak emerged in her ceiling. I paid her half a days wages (£100) as she insisted taking a day off work even though it was remeded by 9.30am. Basically she is very very tricky and even with permission given she may sue if it is not 100% perfect. We are thinking off moving in 2 years approx (to a freehold house!) - is it worth the risk? Or should my partner just get updated electric heaters in the interim (and does this involve re-wiring)? Sorry for the jumble of an update but I wanted advice as to whether you would go ahead or not? Thanks