Electrical certificate

[ferg]

It would be extremely optimistic to assume that the builder has the necessary equipment to perform the required tests.

I started an EICR on some 'Professionally installed' work and after 20 minutes or so gave up and asked who the professional was.
Apparently the Joiner was also a plumber and electrician.
I suppose the definition of professional is someone who is paid for their work so not entirely inaccurate.

 

[Dustydazzler]

When we had a large conservatory built at our old house the company asked if we wanted some sockets and lights in it for a small cash fee. I said yes ( didn't tell them I was a sparks at this point ) and asked who would be doing the 'lectrics. They said they would as its easy enough just to come off a local plug socket to add some extra sockets and lights. I then pressed them on a certificate for the work and they just looked at me with a glazed expression. At which point it was clear the fitters would be doing the 'lectrics so I offered to do my own at no cost to them.

 

[littlespark]

When we had a large conservatory built at our old house the company asked if we wanted some sockets and lights in it for a small cash fee. I said yes ( didn't tell them I was a sparks at this point ) and asked who would be doing the 'lectrics. They said they would as its easy enough just to come off a local plug socket to add some extra sockets and lights. I then pressed them on a certificate for the work and they just looked at me with a glazed expression. At which point it was clear the fitters would be doing the 'lectrics so I offered to do my own at no cost to them.

Does “come off a local plug socket” mean a fused spur…. Or off a plug top… if the latter, then a PAT test might be more appropriate.

 

[Midwest]

Cheers, my solicitor has recommended me paying approx £100 for an indemnity policy.
I'm happy to do that, hopefully our buyers will be okay with it.

Obviously, you should be guided by your solicitor.

Indemnity insurance is a one off insurance to help with legal fees, should your building control decide to take you to court, in this case for not complying with building regs. Thats the conservatory building work not the electrical additions. It does not cover you (or your purchaser) to rectifying any alterations to comply. There is a time limit on that enforcement.

When I sold a few years ago, there's a legal document you have to sign, which ask some questions. You'll be asked about building alterations. You'll also be asked if there were any electrical alterations since 2005, which spookily is when Part P Building Regs was introduced. If you haven't any certification for electrical work or completion certificate for the building work, it might put off a vendor.

You could apply for retrospective completion certificate for your building work, you should seek advice on that, as it might open a can of worms. The electrical work, you could get an electrical installation condition report (EICR) to cover that. Some vendors might ask for an EICR for the whole house in any case.

 

[SJD]

At the end of the day, if you don't have the paperwork for some work done, you can just say you don't have it, and the buyer can choose whether it is a problem or not.

As an example, I've bought a house several years ago with no documentation for various electrical work, but I didn't care, as I can see the state of the wiring and easily correct anything if needed. On the other hand, if the building had serious structural work done e.g. underpinning subsidence, I'd be very concerned, as that is not something I could easily or cheaply fix if done badly.

 

[pirate]

Indemnity policies CAN be a get out of jail card, but in my experience they very seldom actually cover the full risk. Lawyers love them, but hardly ever read them properly, the client certainly doesn't, and it's only if a claim has to be made that their failings come to light. Fortunately, that seldom happens. The insurers pocket a premium for a very low risk, and everyone's happy!

 

[Midwest]

As said, indemnity insurance only helps against court action, not about putting things right. And as there is a limit on enforcement, probably not necessary in most cases.

 

[Mike Johnson]

House's are normally bought as seen, if the buyer wants extra work (EICR) or an indemnity they should pay for it IMO.