Could your builder be making your boiler guarantee void?
If you’re worried about this, the chances are you might have heard about it from a friend or family member who has encountered the same problem. After all, with a shortage of houses up for sale, it often makes sense for people to get an extension or renovation so their existing home better suits their needs.
Unfortunately, it’s usually only when there’s a problem with your boiler that it becomes apparent your builder has been at fault.
I hate to see this happen to my customers, as when I come back and look at their boiler, my heart just sinks. And it can lead to quite a bit of expense!
So, how can a building potentially be voiding your guarantee? Well, as an experienced engineer, let me explain more about this below.
How is your builder making your guarantee void?
Most of the time, you and your builder draw up plans for an extension, new kitchen or bathroom and you’re excited to get started. Your boiler needs moved out of the cupboard to make way for all the work. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, as you assume your builder knows what he’s doing.
Your builder calls in their own contractor – who’s Gas Safe registered – to complete the work. Everything looks good. The engineer is satisfied they’ve adhered to Gas Safe regulations and the specifications in the boiler’s manual.
But then, as soon as they go away, your builder starts fitting cupboards, or a ceiling, or any other number of things.
Suddenly your boiler is boxed in, and impossible to reach for servicing. If the manufacturer gets called to your home, it immediately becomes apparent that you haven’t adhered to regulations and specs. Your guarantee is immediately void.
Even worse, the manufacturer will most likely blame the engineer who installed it in the first place – rather than the contractor who moved it later, or your builder who hasn’t followed the right code of practice.
You’d be surprised how often this happens.
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
Never assume your builder has Gas Safety regulations and manufacturer specs covered. Instead of allowing them to call out their own contractor, get your own engineer back out and explain the project to them.
Get them to liaise with your builder – or go online and download the specifications and regulations yourself.
Ask for written assurances that your builder will adhere to Gas Safe regulations and follow the instructions in your boiler’s manual. This is so important, and will ensure your guarantee stays valid. (Along with getting your annual service, of course!)
Also, when your engineer flushes the system, ensure corrosion inhibitor is put back in. Afterwards, keep an eye out for any problems. For instance, if the pressure goes down – and it never used to – be wary of this.
It could mean it’s drawing air into the system, and losing the inhibitor leading to corrosion and problems with your boiler or radiator. Always get it checked as soon as you know there’s a problem.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has been helpful when understanding why your builder could be making your guarantee void. It’s a surprisingly common occurrence, and it’s awful to see this happen to my customers just a year or two after I’ve fitted them a brand new boiler with a 10-year guarantee.
So, follow my advice above, and take steps to ensure your guarantee stays valid. I’ve also written another blog on the subject of keeping your guarantee valid, which you can check out right here.
Do you have any questions about your boiler guarantee? Let me know in the comments. I’ll be happy to help!
