Lack of electrical installation certificate and home insurance

ProTofik

Hi,

I am a first time buyer in Northern Ireland. I am purchasing a semi-attached property built in the 90s for myself to live in. I had the homebuyer's survey done that didn't pick up anything major. One of the things that was pointed out to me is:

The electrical system appears to be relatively modern but there wasn't a test certificate available. Ask an electrician to test the system and provide a quotation if necessary.

How major of an issue is it? The house doesn't have any extension built or any dodgy looking modifications to it.

Question 2: There are actually 2 mortifications I plan to make myself to this house soon as soon as I get the keys:

1. Install MHRV system, with the unit being located in the attic. As there is no power in the attic, I plan to connect it by running a cable inside the wall from a socket in bedroom floor below. It will be a spur connection with fused switch, junction box etc... all done as professionally as I can.
2. I will add one extra socket in a bedroom. I plan to do it by extending the ring circuit rather than doing a spur.

So my questions are:
1. Will lack of certificate be a problem for me when looking for home insurance?
2. Same question as above but now considering the modifications I plan to make myself.

davidmcn

Completely irrelevant for home insurance. The vast majority of properties don't have electrics which comply with current regulations, it's part of the risk they take on. You don't need to worry about stuff which insurers don't ask you about, rather than think up stuff you reckon they'd be worried about.

ProTofik

davidmcn said:

Completely irrelevant for home insurance. The vast majority of properties don't have electrics which comply with current regulations, it's part of the risk they take on. You don't need to worry about stuff which insurers don't ask you about, rather than think up stuff you reckon they'd be worried about.

Thanks. In what case do I need that certificate then? Clearly not for selling if they're selling a house without one.

Thrugelmir

The surveyor is merely suggesting that you have the electrics checked out prior to purchase.  Standard procedure.  Many builders do small electrical jobs (poorly) while doing other work . 

flashg67

It's standard surveyor speak to cover themselves as they aren't qualified to check gas/electrics, so more often than they suggest a pro checks them out. 
I don't recall being asked about the state of my electrics etc when buying home insurance. I wouldn't concern yourself, but an inspection won't be that much if you want peace of mind

davidmcn

ProTofik said:

davidmcn said:

Completely irrelevant for home insurance. The vast majority of properties don't have electrics which comply with current regulations, it's part of the risk they take on. You don't need to worry about stuff which insurers don't ask you about, rather than think up stuff you reckon they'd be worried about.

In what case do I need that certificate then? 

To give you a better idea of what standard the electrics have been done to. What you're looking for in a house is going to be somewhat different from the insurers - who only ask some fairly basic questions on their proposal form.

Alter_ego

The only certificate legally required for a house sale is the Energy Performance Certificate.

rajeshk4u

There are two aspects. One is the consumer unit and the other is the wiring. Are they both modern? Or just the consumer unit.

Worth getting a certificate and signing off on the additional works you plan on doing. 

I don't know about NI but in E&W only electricians can carry out electrical work (some you can do yourself but you need sign off).  

It is better to get a certificate before moving in, as that is less disruption in case of a bigger issue.

Mickey666

rajeshk4u said:

There are two aspects. One is the consumer unit and the other is the wiring. Are they both modern? Or just the consumer unit.

Worth getting a certificate and signing off on the additional works you plan on doing. 

I don't know about NI but in E&W only electricians can carry out electrical work (some you can do yourself but you need sign off).  

It is better to get a certificate before moving in, as that is less disruption in case of a bigger issue.

Not correct.  You can do ANY electrical work if it is signed off and you can do SOME work without needing it signed off.