HomeBuyer Report in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire completed

The Property

The property is a two storey detached house with an approximate year of build in 1975 and extended in the 1980’s.  The property is located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire in an established residential area.

Problems (Condition Rating Red)

During the Homebuyer Report the Surveyor will, in addition to the condition of the property, comment on the Electricity, Gas, Oild and other services.

On this particular Homebuyer Report in Welwyn Garden City, both the electricity and gas supplies were marked as Condition Rating 3 – Red.

Electricity Supply Concerns

Note that all HomeBuyer Reports carry the standard warning:
“Safety warning: You should have your electrical installations inspected and tested regularly to protect your home from damage and to avoid putting your safety at risk. Guidance published by the Institution of Electrical Engineers recommends that electrical installations should be inspected and tested at least every 10 years and when the occupiers of the property change. All electrical work carried out after 1 January 2005 should be recorded on an Electrical Installation Certificate.”

The Surveyor found a mains electricity supply and meter in an outside box with the consumer unit is in the garage. The electricity supply was on when inspected and the visible wiring was in PVC.  It was noted that the system was not covered by a current inspection and test certificate and that it did not include a residual current device (RCD) and miniature circuit breakers. It was therefore given a condition rating of 3.

The Hertfordshire Surveyor also commented that modern electrical systems usually incorporate a `residual current device' (RCD) and `miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) that provides a higher level of protection against electrocution and fire.  Although installing these is not a strict requirement, he strongly recommend this to increase your personal safety. These can be costly to install.

The Institute of Electrical Engineers recommend that electrical systems are tested on every change of occupancy.  The RICS qualified surveyor advised that an appropriately qualified person inspect the electrical system and carry out necessary repairs immediately.

Estimated repair cost to the client of £600

Other matters advised following the survey

The Hertfordshire Conveyancing Solicitor should carry out normal checks to ensure:

1. The ownership of boundary walls and fences and suitable rights of way to ensure maintenance to the property can be conducted.

2. Adequate rights for the services to the property and checks regarding drainage particularly any responsibility for the maintenance or upkeep of any jointly used parts of the system.

Survey Results

The recommended costs to make safe the above aspects could be negotiated off the asking price of the property.

Don't leave it to Chance - always get a Home Buyers Survey in Welwyn Garden City before buying a property.