Who is liable for cost? - Gas meter query

graeme2911

In the process of buying a house. At some point, the gas meter has been moved to the side of the house in a box dug into the driveway. The house has then had a downstairs loo fitted in the corner where the front door used to be. The front door has been shifted to the side of the house above the gas meter, and a hinged brick & wooden step has been built over the gas meter.

In my opinion, it is unsafe stepping over a gas meter multiple times a day, and I suspect it would be violating some regulations on where they are allowed to be located.


British Gas have said that moving the meter will require some digging up of the driveway, so it is likely to become a costly job.


Is there any legal definition of who is liable for this cost, or is it simply whatever is agreed between vendor & buyer? I can't see how it isn't the vendors responsibility, as it is a safety issue.

Also, does anyone know where I may be able to find regulations on where meters are allowed to be located.

Thanks in advance.

Miss_Samantha

It isn't the vendor's responsibility.

That's the way the house is. If you want to buy it you offer the price you think it is worth, taking into account this problem.

davidmcn

It's up for negotiation, but in general buyers should expect to buy properties as they find them.

Also, I suggest you check whether it is in fact against any regulations rather than just guessing!

pmlindyloo

This link may or not be useful:

https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs/GuidanceforElectricityandGasMeterInstallationCustomerFacingIssues.pdf

To be honest, the only way to find out if it is safe is to ask your solicitor to make enquiries from the vendor (i.e who installed it) and/or to arrange an inspection from British Gas to see if it meets regulations.

Personally I would do this through the solicitor and then make a decision on the second option.

ST1991

Is it is contained within a step that is pretty solid, is there a reason it isn't safe? I mean, you're not actually stepping on the meter, or gas pipes...

Gas meters are so ugly, it would be quite nice to have it hidden.

HouseBuyer77

Had a quick look at the gas-safe regs: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/hseboard/2013/250913/psepb1389-b.pdf

Seems meter under the stairs (which I feel matches your situation somewhat) is not allowed in new installations if the stairs are the sole means of escape in a fire. If you've got a ground floor window you can easily get out of, or a back-door then this step isn't part of your sole means of escape.

Replacement of existing meter under the stairs, where stairs are the sole means of escape in case of fire is allowed provided the meter is fire resistant, encased in a fire resistant compartment or a thermal cut-off device is fitted (which will shut-off the gas supply should temperature exceeed 95 degrees C).

Maybe the compartment needs ventilation to the outside too (so in case of gas leak it goes out of the house), can't be bothered to read through and find out.

How well built is the step? Obviously you don't want it to collapse on the meter, but assuming it's good and strong I don't really see what the problem is.

Certainly were I vendor I wouldn't be agreeing to pay to move it (assuming it's well done rather that a rickety step over a dodgy looking install).

graeme2911

It is a rickety old step over a flimsy looking enclosure at the moment. There is about 12-18" rise to get in to the house, so to build a step suitable for that would mean building something more substantial which would severely/completely restrict access to the meter where it is.

The idea that any door-to-door person or whoever could be standing on a wooden step over the gas meter, and drops their finished ciggy fills me with dread!

Marvel1

You want it moved, you pay or reduce the offer, I wouldn't expect the vendor to pay it and move it since it does not bother them.

alumende27

graeme2911 wrote: »

It is a rickety old step over a flimsy looking enclosure at the moment.

Just because it looks flimsy doesn't mean it is.

Either you want to buy this house or you don't. If you do, and you're concerned about the meter, then budget for moving it somewhere that you're happy with once you've bought the house. It's not the vendor's problem.

Your survey will presumably also indicate something along the lines of they recommend "... a test of the installation by a suitably qualified heating engineer/Gas Safe registered contractor should be undertaken.". I'm sure they would flag up the meter if it's an issue.

Cakeguts

If you buy this house you pay to get the gas meter moved when you own it.