We have made an offer on a property and we need to move reasonably fast. We are teetering on the brink of exchange. There is one big sticking point which is the woodburner. The vendors claim it was installed before certification was required and have offered indemnity insurance to cover it. The surveyor has done a basic survey where he pointed out there was no plaque to confirm it had been inspected and could see evidence of a flue but could not confirm that everything was as it should be.
On the other hand the current occupants have been in the house for about five years and haven't died and the walls show no sign of structural damage. We think that it is likely to be absolutely fine although obviously once in we will get it all formalised and fixed. Speed is of the essence. Do we get it checked before exchange (which we really need to happen THIS week) or do we chance it on the basis of indemnity insurance?