Electrical inspection of BTL
Electrical inspection of BTL
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steve1

Original Poster:

1,251 posts

270 months

Thursday 28th June 2012
quotequote all
In the process of buying our first rental and have just been informed by the seller that the wiring is original and probably about 40 years old, so I'm slightly concerned that this might want replacing.
Have got an electrician going round tonight to inspect and report back to me, but my question is, how much can he do whilst inspecting it, ie removal of switches etc etc. At the end of the day, he needs to see what type of cable is there.
The house is empty, so won't be any inconvenience to anyone, but I'm just worried about the estate agent telling him, "you can't do that".
I won't be there, ( 200 miles away ), but a member of my family will be, obviously this will have an impact on the offer I made, if it does want a re- wire then I'll have to renegotiate.

B17NNS

18,506 posts

273 months

Thursday 28th June 2012
quotequote all
I'd imagine he's going to recommend a re-wire.

A new board and bonding upgrades at the very least.

steve1

Original Poster:

1,251 posts

270 months

Thursday 28th June 2012
quotequote all
B17NNS said:
I'd imagine he's going to recommend a re-wire.

A new board and bonding upgrades at the very least.
Do you say this as the wiring is so old, or do you think he just wants a bit of work out of it.
The dis board was replaced in '99 with trips, this was what threw me when I looked around the place, just assumed the wiring was done as well.

steve1

Original Poster:

1,251 posts

270 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
report from electrician reccomends a rewire from the point of view that if we are going to renew the kitchen, ( still the original 70's kitchen ), then we will want more sockets and possibly switches, also with all the new appliances going in, it will soon overload some of the older wiring if it wasn't changed.
He also said that if we leave it and start replacing switch/socket covers and light fittings, ( again still the original 70's fittings ), then this could also cause some problems.
we also have to remember that we will need a certificate declaring the electrical system safe, seeing as it will be a rental.

Wings

5,943 posts

241 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
steve1 said:
report from electrician reccomends a rewire from the point of view that if we are going to renew the kitchen, ( still the original 70's kitchen ), then we will want more sockets and possibly switches, also with all the new appliances going in, it will soon overload some of the older wiring if it wasn't changed.
He also said that if we leave it and start replacing switch/socket covers and light fittings, ( again still the original 70's fittings ), then this could also cause some problems.
we also have to remember that we will need a certificate declaring the electrical system safe, seeing as it will be a rental.
Firstly, you will only require an electrical certificate if the property is a HMO, or is requested when letting through the local council's housing office. However for your own satisfaction, and the fact the property is empty, a rewire is a wise way to go.

steve1

Original Poster:

1,251 posts

270 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
So is it just a safety check needed for private rental purposes.

98elise

31,905 posts

187 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
steve1 said:
So is it just a safety check needed for private rental purposes.
Just for gas

steve1

Original Poster:

1,251 posts

270 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
98elise said:
Just for gas
What about any electrical appliances that are fitted. And do you have to supply an energy rating for the property.

B17NNS

18,506 posts

273 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
steve1 said:
What about any electrical appliances that are fitted. And do you have to supply an energy rating for the property.
Not that I'm aware of re energy efficiency.

I as a matter of course have a safety check between tenants.

Not sure but if you supply items like kettles, microwaves etc you may have to have them PAT tested (or the domestic equivalent).

Get a good electrician and trust him, same goes for gas.

Wings

5,943 posts

241 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
B17NNS said:
Not that I'm aware of re energy efficiency.

I as a matter of course have a safety check between tenants.

Not sure but if you supply items like kettles, microwaves etc you may have to have them PAT tested (or the domestic equivalent).

Get a good electrician and trust him, same goes for gas.
White goods just need to be tested by a responsible person, so reasonable knowledge of electrics, checking leads, plugs etc.

Sir Bagalot

6,974 posts

207 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
steve1 said:
we also have to remember that we will need a certificate declaring the electrical system safe, seeing as it will be a rental.
No you don't. Electrical Safety Certs are not a legal requirement, whereas a Gas Safety Cert is.

Sir Bagalot

6,974 posts

207 months

Friday 29th June 2012
quotequote all
If leaving electrical items in the property then do a visual check. Cable/Plug not damaged, correct fuse.