boiler inspection by buyer

G_M

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?

walwyn1978

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?

HouseBuyer77

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

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.

theartfullodger

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

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

theartfullodger wrote: »

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?

DaftyDuck

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

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

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

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.