Final Inspection - Noticed Gas Stove Top Auto-Ignition not working - who fixes?

Discussion in 'The Buying & Selling Process' started by Devtanix, 22nd Nov, 2020.

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  1. Devtanix

    Devtanix New Member

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    22nd Nov, 2020
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    Location:
    Perth
    We had our inspection today and it went well overall. Ran into 1 issue that we aren't sure on where the responsibility will fall to "fix".

    There is a gas stove top with auto-ignition on each plate however the ignition does not work. This is because the owners have never installed an electric socket underneath the stove to connect it to the power. They have just made do with matches and lighters. When we run an extension cable to check the stove top, the ignition does work but this is not practical as a long term solution.

    All it requires is the installation of an electric socket but does this become our expense given the stove top is 'technically' functional sans the access to the electric socket? Or is this considered a 'faulty appliance'?
     
  2. meffn

    meffn Well-Known Member

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    Final inspection is to raise issues arising between when you signed the contract and when it settles. Do you have evidence it was working before you signed the contract? If not, tough luck.......
     
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  3. Devtanix

    Devtanix New Member

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    Perth
    It is an interesting dilemma because technically, it does work. But it needs access to an electric socket which does not exist.

    We tested it with an extension cable and the ignition works fine.

    We were told it was a functional gas stove. We assumed 'function' to include auto-ignition.

    Our options are to request the owners to install an electric socket prior to settlement or to ask them to reduce the cost of sale for us to do it. Thirdly (not preferred), we would bear the cost of it.
     
  4. meffn

    meffn Well-Known Member

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    If the socket didn't exist when you signed the contract, unfortunately you don't have any chance of a claim. You could make a claim if the socket worked, and then stopped working. This type of stuff should have been investigated before you signed the contract or otherwise during the building and pest inspection (if you contract was subject to building and pest). Unfortunately it is too late. The best you can do is threaten to pull out, but you would lose your deposit if you did. The value of this is too small for you to do this.
    It seems like a big deal now, but its really not. Once you've settled call an electrician to sort it out for you, it will cost a bit more than a call out and materials to install a socket. Not much in the grand scheme of things, no need to lose sleep over it.
     
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  5. Devtanix

    Devtanix New Member

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    Many thanks for your advice! This will make us wiser for our next house purchase.
     
  6. Trainee

    Trainee Well-Known Member

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    Guessing the house probably has things youll want to fix anyway. If it was me and this was the only item, not worth the hassle. Just put it on the electrician’s list next time you call them.
     
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