Gas and electric checks - safety certificates etc

hdh74

We know we need to do gas and electric checks on the property we plan to buy. There are some bits that look a bit scary to me. Don't like the look of the stop c-o-c-k next to some electrics for one thing. Would we normally ask the vendors to let us do this before signing the contracts, in case it brings up a huge shock, or be expected to do it after we complete. Also, they seem to have no safety certificates or warranties for anything on the property. Would it be unreasonable to ask them to have basic checks or a heating service done? Would we ask via EA, or solicitor or what if we did please?

TheJP

They don't have to have any  basic checks/certificates or warranties as its not a legal requirement unless the seller currently rents the property out.- It would be your responsibility to pay for any checks you want as part of your diligence

RAS

You are buying this property, not renting it so none of these checks are legally required.

wilfred30

As part of your due diligence, you can ask the seller if they are prepared to allow you to organise and pay for gas and electric checks on the property before you exchange.

They can, of course, refuse so you need to decide what you will do if that happens.

Personally, I would make the request via the Estate Agent.

user1977

I don't see a particular problem with the stopcock. What else did you think was scary?

hdh74

user1977 said:

I don't see a particular problem with the stopcock. What else did you think was scary?

I was just surprised to see the stop !!!!!! next to that electrical switch. Perhaps that's just me.  The wiring around that fuse box looks rather cluttered as well but I've no idea what's normal.

user1977

hdh74 said:

user1977 said:

I don't see a particular problem with the stopcock. What else did you think was scary?

I was just surprised to see the stopcock next to that electrical switch. Perhaps that's just me.

What's the problem with it? It doesn't spurt out water (or at least, it's no more likely to than any other stretch of piping).

Obviously if you haven't a clue about plumbing or electrics you might want to get an expert in to reassure you.

RAS

As long as the water supply is properly earthed, there's no issue.

hdh74

user1977 said:

hdh74 said:

user1977 said:

I don't see a particular problem with the stopcock. What else did you think was scary?

I was just surprised to see the stopcock next to that electrical switch. Perhaps that's just me.

What's the problem with it? It doesn't spurt out water (or at least, it's no more likely to than any other stretch of piping).

Obviously if you haven't a clue about plumbing or electrics you might want to get an expert in to reassure you.

Clueless I admit it. 

hdh74

I suppose the thing that most worries me is that they have made several large alterations to the property in recent years but say they have no electrical safety certificates for the work. Sorry for the drip feed - it's over 30 years since I last moved house and it was way simpler then! Anyway the surveyor recommended we get the checks done before the exchange of contracts so I can only ask the vendor if they will let us do them at our cost.

Mr.Generous

Op just bear in mind that every property a few years old will get quite a few suggested works on an electrical condiition report, don't worry about any C3's and look closely at C2's to see what they are and likely costs. Any C1's I'd be asking them to sort or reducing the offer accordingly.

Gas is usually safe or they cut it off!!