Survey Report Red 3

Shennyp

Hi,
We are in the process of moving and having just recieved the building survey im a bit concerned.

The surveyor has flagged up that the electricity meter and gas meter are too close without a firewall in between and that the wiring ( all of these being in the cellar) is below standards and needs immediate attention. 

What are my options? do I go back to vendors and ask them to vomplete the work or give them the option of reducing our offer instead for us to fo the work when we move in ?? 

Anyone know which would be best ? 

eidand

You can ask whatever you want buy it clearly does not bother the vendor so why should they do something that benefits you?
You can buy the house and do it up any way you like, while paying for it since you're the one benefiting from all the changes.
The question is if the valuation is in line with what you're paying. If it is then the house is worth the money you are paying, as it stands right now, not as you wish it was. I would not reduce or do it for you, but I am not the vendor

davilown

It sounds like the house you're buying is old so it won't be up to current electrical safety regulations.  That doesn't mean its not safe.  I have the gas and electric meter right next to each other, with some old wiring to a ground floor lighting ring. I know it's not earthed, so can't use normal metal switches.
As a vendor, and a buyer, I wouldn't dream giving or of asking for a reduction for that.  You know the house is old therefore will have old stuff in it.

davidmcn

Shennyp said:

The surveyor has flagged up that the electricity meter and gas meter are too close without a firewall in between

I've never heard of that being a requirement. My gas and electric meters live in the same cupboard, and none of the previous gas-supplied properties I've lived in have had a firewall between them. So even if this is some sort of technical requirement, it's obviously not one which anybody actually cares about or that you need to remedy.

and that the wiring ( all of these being in the cellar) is below standards and needs immediate attention

In what respect, exactly? Usual advice from surveyors is that they're not electricians and if you want someone to check the electrics (or gas) you get a specialist in. Most electricial installations are below the standard of current regulations, it doesn't mean you need to fix anything. Unless the house is brand new, or you were told it had just been rewired, it's not reasonable to expect the wiring to be all up to scratch.

walwyn1978

Also, never ever ever get the vendor to do the work for you. They have no reason to get it done any way but cheaply which could bite you later. Always do your own so you have control of tradesmen, quality etc. 

But echo the above, this is an old house with non-current electricals - which will be the same for most people on here since the regs change every few years. Nothing you’ve written screams issue. 

Caramac

Our house which was built in the early 1980s have both meters in the same cupboard  in the hall.

greatcrested

The foundations of my house are 'below current standards'.

However it's still standing firm after more than 150+ years and in the 25 years I've been here it's never ben a problem.

Should I now underpin the house or knock it down and re-build with deeper foundations to current standards......?

Jeepers_Creepers

The two meters aren't socially distancing? Pfffft. As said above, that hasn't bothered - or been an issue for - the current vendor, and that should continue to be the case. It wouldn't bother me a jot - I mean, what's the issue? By the time the leccy meter has been set alight by the gas meter, or vice-versa, your house is well on fire and you will have either exited or be ex. Hopefully the former since your interlinked smokies are working well. 

And the wiring is 'below standards'? What - below current standards? Hey, so is mine. 

Is there any indication as to how the wiring is below standards? Stranded wire? Cloth insulation? Perished rubber? Anything crazy like that?