No Corgi certificate for 2005 boiler & electrics installation - show stopper ?

swayzak

hi

I am waiting to complete on a property (hopefully within next few weeks).

However, it transpires that the vendors have no Corgi certification for this work, carried out in 2005 (after government's introduction of this certification system).

They told me that British Gas put the combi boiler in , so either they've lost the certificate (and therefore should easily be able to get a duplicate) or they're telling me porkies.

I'm not sure who did the rewiring for them.

Now my question is how far should I push this ? Should I insist they pay for an inspection to check it's all working OK (don't think you can get retrospective certification however) ?

Or should I just ignore ? After all, before 2005 many people would move into places without this certification for this sort of work (and not have it all inspected before moving in) ... I know we did.

Obviously the risk is they had a bunch of cowboys do the work on the cheap ...

thanks

swayzak

Canucklehead

Good morning: Do not proceed until your solicitor has a copy of the compliance certificate for the boiler. Call CORGI, give them the address and they will confirm if a compliance certificate was issued. If the vendors have genuinely lost the certificate they will be able to obtain one from CORGI for a small fee..see more here... http://www.trustcorgi.com/consumer/requestacertificate.htmx

HTH

Canucklehead

chappers

Indeed if the boiler was installed after April 2005 then the installation should have been registered, if it was fitted by british gas they will also have a record of the installation.
Prior to April 2005 the only requirement was that it was fitted by a CORGI registered plumber.

swayzak

thanks folks

the slight problem is that this work was carried out circa April/May 2005 - so there is a chance that it might have been done just before April 1st

what should I do if this is the case ?

also, does this certification apply to electrical rewiring as well ?

Running_Horse

Whatever the case, you want this checked by someone who knows what they are doing, as there will be no comeback after you have moved in.

swayzak

Tried to be clever & check with BG as to whether they installed in this property - Data Protection Act won't let them tell me

RabbitMad

Ask for £500 off the agreed price to cover you for the cost of getting this checked out once you move in.

tomstickland

If you really like the house and it's a good price then personally I wouldn't worry about the certificate. It's all down to the balance of what you are getting, your opinion on the installation, your attitude towards any risks and your relationship with the sellers.

silvercar

Sellers are going to have to sort this with the next buyer if not with you.

It may be that the guy who installed it is no longer available to provide certificates.

One way round may be for the sellers to arrange for a gas safety check for lettings to be done. A standard procedure, available at short notice form a CORGI registered guy and would cost them less than £100.

swayzak

thanks again

I've spoken to Corgi help.

If this boiler was installed after April 1st, and they haven't got certificate, then they CAN get retrospective certification at cost (from local authority planning office). I think I will insist they do this.

If before, then I will probably just leave it be (and get it inspected myself if necessary).

I'm sure thousands of people didn't bother with this prior to April 1st 2005 (unless they really suspected it was dodgy ..)

Canucklehead

Good morning: Building works certification for all relevant elements, as well as evidence of warranties, annual maintenance etc would give me peace of mind when spending ££££££ on a property. Every week, MSErs answer queries from those who have been stung by cowboys and dodgy 'property developers'...protect yourself!!! Beware of what lies beneath the glossy exterior...conveyancing solictors should be well versed in certification requirements and advise their clients accordingly but purchasers need to be proactive and look out for their own interests as well...caveat emptor!

HTH

Canucklehead

P.S. Just read OP's latest post.....the certification will cost the vendors a fair penny:eek: Also if the boiler wasn't notified on installation someone should have their knuckles seriously rapped....possible illegal/unsafe installation...insist on annual service as an absolute miminum and ask for copy of the Benchmark Book (installation and service record).