Would you expect an up to date boiler check?

[poppedlightbulb]

We've had the survey back on the house we're hoping to buy. It's a 90s-build which is fairly tired but no major issues have been flagged up, but some things will need updating soon - eg double glazing is at the end of its life, as is the conservatory, and it recommends a full re-wire.

Survey doesn't say how old the boiler is but its last service certificate is from 4 years ago. The heating wasn't on when the survey was carried out so no idea if it even works. Would it be unreasonable to ask for an up-to-date boiler service? Do people ask for this? Or does this come under 'buyer beware'?

Yes you should ask for a boiler service.

But I am at a full rewire on a 90s build! That’s very odd! Why?? I would get the electrics rechecked by someone else.

I thought you had to have a boiler safety check to sell? Is it really expected to totally re- wire a 25-30 year old house?

The rewires odder than the boiler tbh.

I would question the electric re-wire and surely not all the windows have failed??

Ok, thanks, I'll ask for one.

The electricity section of the survey got a 3 as the consumer unit is apparently relatively old/old style and it hasn't got a Condition Report. I was going to ask the surveyor about this, but actually just assumed this would be a standard recommendation given the age of the house.

Re the double glazing, for every window it just says "poor condition and requires replacement". They didn't look that bad (viewing was quite a while ago though and I'm no window expert).

You don’t need to replace all the windows based on that. Just inspect yourself and repair as needed and replace any that are really dead.

The electrics might just need a new board then and a proper test. (About £250 for the test, board extra). There’s no way it needs a complete rewire if it’s mid 90s unless the original electrics were a complete bodge job.

Would be happy to be corrected but I thought it was a legal requirement for a home owner to have an annual boiler service? And electrical check every two years?

@blobby10

Would be happy to be corrected but I thought it was a legal requirement for a home owner to have an annual boiler service? And electrical check every two years?

No. That might be if you rent it out rather than owner occupier?

@blobby10

Would be happy to be corrected but I thought it was a legal requirement for a home owner to have an annual boiler service? And electrical check every two years?

Only if you rent. If you own it it’s completely up to you. Personally I think it should be a legal requirement to get a boiler serviced every year. I can’t believe people don’t!

*rent it out

@blobby10

Would be happy to be corrected but I thought it was a legal requirement for a home owner to have an annual boiler service? And electrical check every two years?

I think that only applies to landlords.

We were advised by our solicitor to pay for a boiler service on our purchase ourselves rather than asking the vendor to do it. That way you have a warranty with whoever did the service in case of subsequent issues. Ditto electrical survey.

@blobby10

Would be happy to be corrected but I thought it was a legal requirement for a home owner to have an annual boiler service? And electrical check every two years?

It's not a legal requirement for either of these if you are not a landlord, I also believe that the electrical check is recommended every 10 years for owner occupier not 2 years.

OP will probably just need a new consumer unit and wiring check rather than a full rewire on a 1990s house.

I was required to get a gas safety certificate and service prior to exchanging contracts last time I sold.
Unsure as to a rewire, the cabling from the 90's should be sound.
If the distribution box is old then you can just renew the RCD.
Get an NICEIC registered trader to do a wiring test and inspection.

Thank you all, very helpful.

This might be of interest-
www.localelectriciansdirect.co.uk/when-rewiring-property-necessary