In article , David
writes
On Tue, 24 Sep 2019 22:29:00 +0100, Fredxx wrote:

On 24/09/2019 22:23, David wrote:
On Tue, 24 Sep 2019 21:12:05 +0000, David wrote:

On Tue, 24 Sep 2019 20:49:14 +0000, David wrote:

I'm just reading a survey report which includes the wording

"As this is a change of ownership, it is essential that the
electrical wiring is checked by an electrician, preferably NICEIC
registered, in order to outline any remedial works necessary to
achieve compliance with the up to date regulations."

Is there any regulation which says that on change of ownership the
wiring should be brought up to current regulations?

This seems to be what the wording implies.

As far as I know the surveyor can recommend updating, but there is no
absolute requirement.

Also. the boiler is an old floor standing one.
The wording states:

"The boiler is not a room sealed appliance and consequently is
potentially dangerous. I would not advise that the boiler is used
until it has been inspected (condition rating 3 and see section J3
Risks)."

This seems a bit extreme.
Standard butt covering or a real risk?

Oh, and:

"The current arrangement of the conservatory is not compliant with the
Building Regulations and will need to be altered accordingly if the
accommodation is to be classed as being compliant."

As far as I know the older bits should be "grandfathered" in, and have
no legal requirement to be brought up to current building regulations.
Insulation requirements are below current - glazed with a plastic roof
and has a radiator in so is part of the main property - which wouldn't
be allowed by current regs.

These look very much like weasel words to bump up the cost of repairs.
It doesn't actually say that you are legally required to do the work;
just implies it by "if the accommodation is to be classed as
compliant". Which as far as I can see there is no legal requirement
unless you undertake major structural work and have to bring the rest
of the property up to current regs.

I may be reading too much into this, of course.

The survey is commissioned by the buyers, the surveyor is using words
for them, so provide some bargaining power.

If they have agreed a a price then personally I would likely not budge
on price and put it back on the market if they're not going to commit.

Remember they have paid for the survey and probably don't want to shell
out for another survey on another house with potentially the same
result.

It's your call, of course.

This is an equitable rather than contentious negotiation.

We are trying to work out which items are genuinely a problem, and which
are just the surveyor trying to bet the price down for their client.

Which is why I am asking to confirm which phrases are flannel and which
reflect real legislation.

Most houses on resale will not comply with current building regulations.

Houses built before 1900 probably don't comply with any!


Cheers



Dave r



Building regs electrical regs gas regs to the best of my knowledge are
never retrospective. But it is a while since I bought/sold a house.
--
bert