Purchasing property with wood burner

bigdavecox90

Long story short, we are purchasing a property with a wood burner installed.

I had requested certificates for this but the vendor states she has never used it since living at the property and has no documentation supporting the install etc.

Where should I go from here? All new to me, so appreciate advice from anyone that has been in a similar position.

Margot123

Is the heating/water system dependent on the wood burner?
It would appear not from the vendor saying they haven't used it.

We have a wood burner, there is very little to go wrong. Just ask when the chimney was last swept and if there is a flue liner. You really don't need certificates and such like.

shortcrust

It wouldn't bother me for a moment. I have a wood burner and I don't remember seeing any certificate for it when I bought the house. You should get it swept and serviced when you move in anyway (not that I bothered...) so they'll be able to tell you if everything's ok.

This thread might be of interest:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5473076

eddddy

The installation of a wood burning stove normally requires building regulations approval now. So if it was installed recently, you're correct in thinking that there should be some documentation.

There are rules about flue size, ventilation requirements, hearths etc. And I believe it's now mandatory to have a carbon monoxide alarm with any new installation.

Here's some info from a council:
http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/docs/default-source/planning-development/16---technical-leaflet---installing-solid-fuel-stoves-mar-2011.pdf

In the absence of any documentation, you might want to get it safety checked. (And your mortgage lender might want indemnity insurance.)

glentoran99

eddddy wrote: »

The installation of a wood burning stove normally requires building regulations approval now. So if it was installed recently, you're correct in thinking that there should be some documentation.

There are rules about flue size, ventilation requirements, hearths etc. And I believe it's now mandatory to have a carbon monoxide alarm with any new installation.

Here's some info from a council:
http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/docs/default-source/planning-development/16---technical-leaflet---installing-solid-fuel-stoves-mar-2011.pdf

In the absence of any documentation, you might want to get it safety checked. (And your mortgage lender might want indemnity insurance.)

"you choose to have your stove installed by such a company then you will not need to submit an application to Building Control


"

eddddy

glentoran99 wrote: »

"you choose to have your stove installed by such a company then you will not need to submit an application to Building Control


"

I'm not quite sure what point you're making, but I'm guessing you've misunderstood something.

The installation still needs to meet building regulations - even if it's installed by a company registered with the competent persons scheme. And I'd be pretty sure such a company would give you documentation confirming this.

Margot123

Just to add that it would be wise to have a CO2 alarm near to the burner as you would with anything like this.

Get the chimney swept every year, get a flue liner down it if there isn't one already and make sure the top isn't capped/blocked by pigeon's nest or similar.

colesy

These types of installations need to be carried out by a HETAS installer who can then self-certify the work with Building Control, or you get Building Control to certify it for a fee. Either way, the work needs notified to Building Control and it’s an offence if it isn’t.

kinger101

Margot123 wrote: »

Just to add that it would be wise to have a CO2 alarm near to the burner as you would with anything like this.

Get the chimney swept every year, get a flue liner down it if there isn't one already and make sure the top isn't capped/blocked by pigeon's nest or similar.

I presume you mean a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Personally, I'd get a HETAs registered engineer to have a look at it and check it's okay. If there was no flue liner for example, it might cost a couple of grand to put right.

SG27

Just get a good chimney sweep to check it over when you move in.

Thrugelmir

bigdavecox90 wrote: »

Long story short, we are purchasing a property with a wood burner installed.

I had requested certificates for this but the vendor states she has never used it since living at the property and has no documentation supporting the install etc.

Where should I go from here? All new to me, so appreciate advice from anyone that has been in a similar position.

Do you intend using it? If you do. What's the downside in cost. Factor this into your offer. The answer given sounds vague and a cop out by the vendor. In itself a potential concern. Always best to assume the worst. Then there's no unwelcome surprises.