Gas and Electricity Checks - who pays?

earthquakebird

Hi everyone,

I have received a HomeBuyer's report that has flagged up the need to check gas, electricity and damp. The damp inspection is scheduled but I have not yet instructed a gas/electricity engineer yet as I am waiting to find out if the vendor has already had this done/has certificates to show for it.

Are gas/electricity checks something that I should expect the vendor to be able to provide evidence for? Or should I go ahead and pay for these inspections myself? Or could I ask if we could go halves?

I should note that my mortgage offer is not subject to satisfactory results - it's already been issued. I just want to get checks done for my own peace of mind.

Thanks

worried_jim

You get them done as part of your due diligence- if you so choose to. How old is the house? How old is the boiler? I would expect someone to find fault with anything they check as it won't be brand new, a bit like buying a used car, but most of still do with no issues.

Surrey_EA

Every single homebuyers report I have ever seen recommends an electrical test and a boiler check. This is because the surveyor is not an electrician, nor a gas safety expert.

If you want these items checked for your piece of mind it is up to you as the buyer to cover the cost.

AdrianC

earthquakebird wrote: »

I have received a HomeBuyer's report that has flagged up the need to check gas, electricity and damp.

Yes, they always do.

Are gas/electricity checks something that I should expect the vendor to be able to provide evidence for?

No.

I just want to get checks done for my own peace of mind.

Then why would you trust checks that the vendor had had done...?

walwyn1978

Surrey_EA wrote: »

Every single homebuyers report I have ever seen recommends an electrical test and a boiler check. This is because the surveyor is not an electrician, nor a gas safety expert.

If you want these items checked for your piece of mind it is up to you as the buyer to cover the cost.

+1, with the advice that your electrical check is 99% likely to tell you that the electrical system does not meet modern standards if it was put in before the last 5 years or so. Unless it actually says 'X is dangerous and needs immediate attention as it could injure/kill' you can pretty much park it and not worry in the short term.

earthquakebird

Is there any difference between receive a gas certificate by email or in the post (apart from the time it takes to receive)?

What's the best way to arrange payment? I have had friends who have paid and never received the cert - is it normal to pay up front first?

Thanks

G_M

Gas and Electricity Checks - who pays?

the person who wants the checks done!

The damp inspection is scheduled

Free or paid-for?

need_an_answer

earthquakebird wrote: »

Is there any difference between receive a gas certificate by email or in the post (apart from the time it takes to receive)?

What's the best way to arrange payment? I have had friends who have paid and never received the cert - is it normal to pay up front first?

Thanks

It terms of validity?

post or email attachment is fine. They are both as good as eachother.


I usually wait for the certificate to arrive,as my gas chap usually attaches the bill at the same time as sending the certificate.


Internet banking then does the rest

I have not come across payment up front before,but that's up to you,most gas engineers or tradesmen I deal with are happy to invoice after the event even those who I have used just once or for the first time


If you are at the property when the inspection is actually carried out you should even be give a copy of the certificate at that point.

AnotherJoe

earthquakebird wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I have received a HomeBuyer's report that has flagged up the need to check gas, electricity and damp. The damp inspection is scheduled but I have not yet instructed a gas/electricity engineer yet as I am waiting to find out if the vendor has already had this done/has certificates to show for it.

Are gas/electricity checks something that I should expect the vendor to be able to provide evidence for? Or should I go ahead and pay for these inspections myself? Or could I ask if we could go halves?

I should note that my mortgage offer is not subject to satisfactory results - it's already been issued. I just want to get checks done for my own peace of mind.

Thanks

No, it has not. Its been suggested, to cover the surveyors a**e.


Then pay for them yourself bearing in mind unless this is a real edge case, the electric survey will most likely say "doesn't meet current regulations" and the gas one "the property is safe but recommend a service"