Installing a Fireplace in a new build property

Ultrabeat

Hello,

So my partner and I are close to moving into our new build property and we would like to install a gas fireplace. This fireplace will be installed by a reputable company, who have already quoted for the work, and would involve some of the structural wall being removed to build into the wall creating more space.

We understand that to do this we would completely void our 2 year warranty with our developer for the structure and heating system, and as far as I can tell not with Nhbc (so long as the work is not the root cause of further issues).

What insurances should we have in place to ensue we are adequately covered in the event of future problems that were or were not as a result of the fireplace installation. I assume buildings insurance and perhaps An insurance to cover the boiler system? Is there anything else?

J_B

Not knowing your developer but I'm sure you read all the horror stories about Percy Mon and their snagging lists.


You are planning to make alterations before you've even moved in!
If there are any snags, it will give the developer plenty of chance to get out of addressing these issues.


Why not just wait two years and then decide whether you need a gas fire, by which time, all the snags will be (hopefully) ironed out.

phill99

As above. Give it two years before you start knocking the structure around.

TELLIT01

It's not just Percy who builds badly. My nephew and his fiancee have recently moved into a new build. The builders have spent more time in the house than they have! Problems mainly with leaks but the latest is mildew in a wardrobe which backs onto the bathroom. The tiles around the shower weren't installed properly so moisture has got behind them. Looks like the shower and wardrobe may both have to be ripped out and the work done completely from scratch again.
The first leak was spotted the day after they moved in.

Ultrabeat

The builder is Bellway.

My partner is pretty set on getting one and we purposely looked for a house that would enable us to put a fireplace in. I can’t see how any builder could reasonably argue that doing so would void warranty for plumbing for example.

I do agree that we should perhaps wait a period of time to identify some snags, but I will say that the property has been build complete for over 6 months and therefore should have seen a lot of movement by now of it was going to do so. My experience with a new build to date has been great and I had little to no snagging that was more than touch ups and a poorly hung front door (DWH).

I suppose we should move in and liaise with the builder to get in writing exactly what will be voided by doing this installation and make a decision with that information in hand.

With regards to Insurance’s though, what is needed as a minimum?

ComicGeek

Why a gas fireplace? Why not just have a plug in gas-effect electric fire place? No need for all the gas pipework alterations, flues(?), intake air grille, carbon monoxide detector, servicing etc. You certainly won't need the heat output in a new build property. I can guarantee you'll use it a couple of times before the novelty wears off - then you'll be thankful for the visual effect without the heat output.

Another issue is moisture from gas fires - given that it takes years for new builds to dry out properly, it really doesn't help.

And the builder would definitely use it as an excuse to get out of any issues in the first 2 years. Just live in the property for 2 years before doing anything.