I Am In Hte Middle Of Buying A House, And The Seller Seems A Bit Crazy

[bednobs]

what to do?
Part of the appeal of the house was a wood burner that is there. However, our conveyancer asked for a heatas certificate for it and there isn't one. Now the seller is saying that we either accept it without the certificate OR he'll just take the woodburner out!
what would you do? Am thinking trying to negotiate a reduction in price, seeing as part of the reason we made an offer was the wood burner (well not really i suppose but it was a bonus)

[jno]

sort of up to you - do you want it, how much is it worth to you etc. If it was in some way unfit to receive a certificate, would repairing it be more expensive than buying new?

[bednobs]

it is new, it's just that the bloke seems a bit of a cowboy and has done a lot of the work to the house himself (ie with no BC approval, gas safe certificates etc)

[bednobs]

this is the same bloke who offered to leave us his rotary line - for £50!

[jno]

oh yes, I remember you mentioning that. If there's any safety checks required on anything (unlike washing lines) I'd be inclined to let him take his burner but request a cut in price. No point in buying safety features from someone you don't feel you can trust.

[woofgang]

bedknobs, from experience of a mate of mine STEP AWAY from the house NOW. They moved in, decided to set up a service and repair contract with British Gas and the bloke came and turned the gas off because there were so many problems with the system! They have had fun with the central heating, fun (not) with the electrical wiring and had to have the small extension partially rebuilt. Honestly unless its the one and only house for you (and maybe even if it is) I would be walking hurriedly in the opposite direction.

[EDDIE51]

A 'cowboy' who has done a lot of the work himself without certificates??
That is a recipe for disaster,run a mile and look for another house!

[Retrochic]

Bednobs You could tell your Conveyancer you will accept the responsibility for the wood burner not having a certificate, then for peace of mind get it inspected after you move in but before using it. Often Mortgage companies require every certificate under the sun so this may be the problem. I have lost count of the number of times our building firm have been asked to fit wood burners 'for a bit of cash'. You just can't do it as they must be fitted to code and can be deadly if fitted wrong. I think the 'walk away from the house' bit is a bit melodramatic especially if its a house you really would like to live in.

[EDDIE51]

bednobs a' Hetas' certificate is essential
https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/certificate-of-compliance/
Without it you will not be able to get the property insured and that means no mortgage will be available. Same applies to gas & electricity safety certificates . Has he done any structural work ? that needs a certificate as well. The seller is responsible for making sure the house has these so tell him he gets them or you walk away.

[The Builder]

Good replies from all, Beds.......... especially from Retro.

You obviously want to keep the woodburner, but I doubt if the seller is going to do a thing to help you. For your own peace of mind, I would have it checked yourself once you have possession.

Some things to bear in mind ..........

Siting the burner and connecting it up is pretty straightforward. The main consideration is the flue.

Depending on its construction, it may well need a liner fitted. I doubt if yer man has bothered with this.

A liner should also be insulated to work properly.

It may need a cowl of some sort.

Be prepared for all of these costs. Perhaps have an inspection and quote BEFORE you buy, to see what your in for. Then, negotiate.

If you've set your heart on this house, I wouldn't let any of this put you off.

[craft1948]

I ought my current house from an amateur DIYer and 8 years on I think I've had all his botched jobs put right...

[bednobs]

thanks all