Homebuyer's report - gas and electricity checks

mrsp80

Our homebuyer's report recommends we get the gas and electricity meters and wiring checked prior to exchange of contracts. Is this normal practice or does it suggest there is an issue with these?

Also, do I need to send a copy of it to my solicitor or will they receive a copy directly?

InkZ

1) I think this is pretty standard on all valuation reports.

2) ask your solicitor if they have received a copy, if not, send one.

hazyjo

What sort of age is the property? Yep, pretty standard and up to you if you decide to get an electrician/gas engineer round for an inspection...

Jx

mrsp80

hazyjo wrote: »

What sort of age is the property? Yep, pretty standard and up to you if you decide to get an electrician/gas engineer round for an inspection...

Jx

Thanks HazyJo. I don't think we did these when we bought our current home, but this property is a bit older (1950s). Do people normally bother doing this first or is it something to do when we move in?

kiki*_2

I got the boiler checked as I wanted to know that it would work! Depends how desperate you are for things to work when you move in.

hazyjo

Some do, some don't. tbh, it wouldn't hurt, just for peace of mind - you'll probably never have them checked again until you either have work/improvements done, or unless the worst happens!

What sort of plugs, etc were at the property? Modern looking, or the round ones, in/above skirting boards? My last house was Victorian and all the plug sockets looked modern. I had got an electrician round, but only cos the lounge light didn't work very well. They said it was all fine, but once I'd had some work done, it was apparent the wrong size cabling (I think) had been used in places. The kitchen lights used to overheat and turn off, bulbs blew a lot, and every dimmer switch broke in the lounge. Some things you just can't check... Our study light in our house now has never worked (been in 9 months nearly) and we're yet to get it sorted. Eight year old house.

Did everything work when you viewed? Hot water? Radiators? Lights? Were there ample plug sockets?

Jx

googler

Surveyors aren't electricians. The scope of the survey will include merely looking at the visible aspects of the electrical system and judging it on this. The surveyor will not remove any wall sockets, light switches etc.

Any adverse comment, if present, will relate to, amongst others,

Dated sockets
Dated light switches
Dated cabling in pendant lights
or similar ... but at the end of the day....

you can do the same yourself.