We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Home Buyers Report - Help

Evening everyone.

We have had an offer accepted on a house that was originally build in 1995 - so 19 years old. Its been let out for the last 3 years, and needs a fair bit of work internally (pretty much needs decorating throughout, which we are comfortable with).

The survey has just come back with two 'red' defects.

1/ Electric: When considering the advice of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, the lack of a
test within the last 10 years and the alterations that have taken place you should
have the system checked and tested thoroughly before occupation and use.


2/ Gas: When considering the lack of a recent test the system should checked before
occupation
and use.

I'm after a bit of advice with regards what to do next.Is this a standard red flag for houses over 10 years old?? Would it be worth getting some one in to examine things?? How much would such a check cost?

Thanks

Comments

  • callmechar
    callmechar Posts: 627 Forumite
    Don't worry.

    If you want to get the gas and elec tested then get someone in to check them before you progress? Not expensive to do
  • that's just standard stuff. any survey report will say that if the electrics and gas haven't been checked. electricians tell you get them checked every 5 years! at a cost of 100+ quid a time but i dont think many homeowners do that- it just gets done when someone buys the house.

    i would always get the electrics and gas checked for peace of mind before completing.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 27 April 2014 at 9:15PM
    I've lived in my home for 18 years. Did I get gas/electric tested after 10? Does anyone?

    If you want peace of mind pay a guy to test, but personally I'd go and check myself. Turn on the boiler - do the radiators get hot? Do the hot taps work? Not rocket science!
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    mrsnow101 wrote: »
    1/ Electric: When considering the advice of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, the lack of a test within the last 10 years and the alterations that have taken place you should have the system checked and tested thoroughly before occupation and use.

    When considering how knowledgeable your surveyor appears to be, bear in mind that the IEE hasn't even existed since 2006...

    (but seriously, these are just normal disclaimers in almost any survey, they just mean the surveyor isn't an expert and hasn't done a full check of the utilities)
  • mrsnow101
    mrsnow101 Posts: 196 Forumite
    Cheers for the replies - I feel slightly better after reading them.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 353.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.3K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 246.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 603.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.2K Life & Family
  • 260.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.