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boiler inspection by buyer

It's always been my understanding (and I've advised here!) that if a buyer wants a boiler inspection, he should/could arrange/pay for this himself (as with other surveys etc).

However Btitish Gas have told our buyer (and I've confirmed with BG) that only the owner can instruct (and pay for) a gas safety check (as an aside they were unclear if/what is the difference between a service, a safety check etc).

Is this just a BG policy or do all companies/engineers take this line?

Since the buyer has specificaly asked for BG (and offered to pay), how would you respond?

Comments

  • If the buyer has offered to pay for a BG gas safety check, can you not organise/pay for it then get reimbursed by their legal representatives?

    I'm assuming you're concerned that they'll get you to pay for it then not go through with the sale, leaving you out of pocket?
  • I've certainly paid an engineer to do a boiler service/safety check on a property I was interested in and received a GSC. That was a one-man band operation so perhaps he was bending the rules but I don't see why Gas-Safe would care who pays provided the engineer is registered and followers the proper proceedures.

    So I suspect this is a BG policy.

    Who did you speak to? Could be worth phoning back and asking for a manager/supervisor? Wouldn'be be the first time the front-line phone operators get a point of company policy totally wrong...
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    G_M wrote: »
    Since the buyer has specificaly asked for BG (and offered to pay), how would you respond?

    Get paid by the buyer and then instruct BG yourself, surely?

    Can't say it's a policy I've encountered before, though might be to avoid complicated hassle if e.g. they are accused of damaging something.
  • BG have a reputation for err... finding boilers needing replacement etc etc...

    In your shoes I'd try to find a small local guy in preference....
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Well, since (the agent says) the buyer and agent were both told the same thing, and then I was too, it does seem to be BG policy.

    Might take your advice artful and point the buyer at someone local, but if they insist on BG, then yes - pay upfront.
  • ess0two
    ess0two Posts: 3,606 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    BG have a reputation for err... finding boilers needing replacement etc etc...

    In your shoes I'd try to find a small local guy in preference....



    This exactly, otherwise they'll be trying to squeeze a discount for new boiler from you.
    Perhaps the buyers are wise to BG tactics?
    Official MR B fan club,dont go............................
  • DaftyDuck
    DaftyDuck Posts: 4,609 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The Gas Safety Record is, I believe, a specific legal document with a specific purpose. It isn't really designed for buying and selling, useful though it is. British Gas may feel confusticated by the box stating Owner/Landlord/Agent.... Computer say no time.

    I have repeatedly asked and got registered engineers to do a check on a boiler when buying. A few have carried out a gas safety check, but most have reported informally. Useful as, in most cases, I'm already aware the system is pants.

    I'm guessing that, being a G_M boiler, it's not about to explode, but I'd still prefer a local bod offer an opinion, even if the £££s BG want are being paid by another.

    You could suggest a service would be of more benefit to the buyer...
  • martindow
    martindow Posts: 10,577 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    DaftyDuck wrote: »

    I'm guessing that, being a G_M boiler, it's not about to explode
    Absolutely - G_M would only offer quality boilers. Is there no end to G_M's talent?
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Not my boiler.... I'm the executer.

    But yes, in my spare time I do install, repair, certify boilers in all my portfolio properties - though not my own obviously. I use a proper GasSafe engineer there. I ain't stupid.
  • Rain_Shadow
    Rain_Shadow Posts: 1,798 Forumite
    G_M wrote: »
    Well, since (the agent says) the buyer and agent were both told the same thing, and then I was too, it does seem to be BG policy.

    Might take your advice artful and point the buyer at someone local, but if they insist on BG, then yes - pay upfront.


    I'm sure a slice of cake will persuade them.
    You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose but you can't pick your friend's nose.
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