FIRST HOME FENSA/ELECTRICAL HELP!

Winston2019

Hey all! 

We are in the process of buying our first home - a 100 year old + stone end of terrace. 

The property has had all windows/external doors replaced in 2022. None of these were registered with FENSA and no guarantee is available from sellers. 3 windows were listed with FENSA in 2010, which I presume to be irrelevant now they’ve replaced them all anyway. What do you suggest we do? We’re so new to all of this, love the house but don’t know how to go about this element as to whether we should be asking the sellers to get them approved before we buy or not? 

Secondly, our surveyor (opted for l3 survey) didn’t text electrics nor are any warranties/invoices etc available from sellers. The seller has had the boiler inspected and the only thing to come out of that is that we need ‘earth cross bonding’ done- again, unsure if we should be requesting this done before we buy, and should we get an electrician in to test all the electrics!l?! 

Finally, we have a covenant on the house from the council (was built originally for council but sold 2 times since with sellers living in house for 18m)  for expected stuff like dont block light for neighbours, can’t build anything big, no nuisance animals etc and it was from 1978- should we be worried about having this on the house? 

Everything has been smooth sailing thus far.. we hope after help with the above we’ll be on track to complete next month! 

Thanks in advance  

jonnydeppiwish!

Fensa - as much use as peeing in a pot. If you want the electrics tested, pay for it.
no issues from my point of view

Little_bit_taller

What is your solicitor advising?

From my experience 1st time buyers are always very nervous so to calm your nerves your solicitor will presumably be asking for an indemnity...if not do you think the windows are doing their job, if yes, then no need to worry.

You may assume that a L3 will test the electrics but they don't but ask yourself have the current residents been living their unscathed for x number of years? 

The covenant - they rarely mean anything just try and be a good neighbour i.e. don't plant a Leylandii hedge where you know it will pee somebody off.

Sounds like you have picked a great house! Enjoy!

Winston2019

jonnydeppiwish! said:

Fensa - as much use as peeing in a pot. If you want the electrics tested, pay for it.
no issues from my point of view

Thank you for replying - we will happily pay for a test! 

Winston2019

Little_bit_taller said:

What is your solicitor advising?

From my experience 1st time buyers are always very nervous so to calm your nerves your solicitor will presumably be asking for an indemnity...if not do you think the windows are doing their job, if yes, then no need to worry.

You may assume that a L3 will test the electrics but they don't but ask yourself have the current residents been living their unscathed for x number of years? 

The covenant - they rarely mean anything just try and be a good neighbour i.e. don't plant a Leylandii hedge where you know it will pee somebody off.

Sounds like you have picked a great house! Enjoy!

Thank you so much for your reply! 

We have send the solicitor our questions. I think we are super nervous but haven’t really queried much so it’s been pretty smooth sailing up until tonight when we’ve researched about the windows and electrical tests. 

The current residents have owned the house for 18months and have installed new windows, doors, roof, carpet, bathroom & kitchen albeit they did the latter themselves which is why we’re a little cautious over the electrics. The property is so lovely - we just don’t want to sign and then have to fork out £££££ to fix things we didn’t query! 

Thanks again for your help  

Little_bit_taller

I've owned 2 old stone houses you probably will have to do some works but that is all part and parcel of owning an old or any home really. Your concerns are relatively minor, and I don't mean that in a patronising way, so enjoy the process and try not to worry too much

Winston2019

Little_bit_taller said:

I've owned to old stone houses you hprobably will have to do some works but that is all part and parcel of owning an old or any home really. Your concerns are relatively minor, and I don't mean that in a patronising way, so enjoy the process and try not to worry too much

Yeah - we are fairly lucky that it seems to have been well looked after! Won’t mention the damp proof course or lack of here 🤣 but all in all, you have re-assured us a little so thank you! 

Little_bit_taller

Damp proof courses are rarely if ever necessary in old houses - do you have damp concerns?

propertyrental

Little_bit_taller said:

Damp proof courses are rarely if ever necessary in old houses - do you have damp concerns?

My 150 year old house has a slate dpc built into the stonework. I had to dig down through external soil to find it though.........

Thank you for replying - we will happily pay for a test! 

It is possible/likely the report will say 'not to current standards'. As the standards are frequently updated/changed, very few houses comply with all the current standards, but as long as the electrics complied at the time they were installed, and are safe, that's fine.

Winston2019

Little_bit_taller said:

Damp proof courses are rarely if ever necessary in old houses - do you have damp concerns?

We didn’t when viewing, the surveyor noted higher readings on one external wall. Looking outside there are gaps near where ‘pavement’ to front door meets wall which could be where its penetrating in. I’m not super worried for now as rest of house seems fine but we’ll monitor and fix when required  
thanks for message! 

Winston2019

propertyrental said:

Little_bit_taller said:

Damp proof courses are rarely if ever necessary in old houses - do you have damp concerns?

My 150 year old house has a slate dpc built into the stonework. I had to dig down through external soil to find it though.........

Thank you for replying - we will happily pay for a test! 

It is possible/likely the report will say 'not to current standards'. As the standards are frequently updated/changed, very few houses comply with all the current standards, but as long as the electrics complied at the time they were installed, and are safe, that's fine.

I think so too - we have asked for a test just to be on the safe side but its mainly safety - we adore the house and provided it isn’t crazy spenny to fix I cant see it putting us off unless it’s super unsafe! 

Thanks for your comment!