Help if anyone can

[cfnc]

We are in an IVA just over two months.

We had an extension built a few years ago, which in reality was probably the reason our debts became unmanagable.

A few weeks ago our gas meter was said to be at the end of its life and needed to be changed, gas man came round to change meter but as soon as he stepped inside the door he said our meter was illegal and threatened to cut our supply off.

Up shot is that even though the plans were approved and the builder did not raise the issue nor the council, is we are going to have to move our meter and the cost is going to be up to or above £1000.

Obviously we do not have credit, nor want to and do not have this amount of money around.

Is there any leaway within our IVAs to accommodate this cost?

Thanks for help,

Kirsty

[Andrew Graveson]

Hi Kirsty,

Is your builder still trading?

[cfnc]

Yes is that an issue?

Kirsty

[Andrew Graveson]

I just wondered if the builder might have had anything to do with the illegal location of the meter? If so there might be some recourse.

Perhaps the location of the meter stems from before you owned the home?

[cfnc]

The meter was orginally on an outside wall, but now is inside our downstairs toilet.

Kirsty

[chris.g]

Hubby is a bricklayer and he says that the builder should never have moved the meter, if that's what happened. They should have notified you that the gas company would need to move the meter. Get in touch with the builders to see what they say about it or NHBC, the National Housing Building Council. These should be able to clarify things for you,
xx

[cfnc]

Sorry did not make myself clear, the meter has not been moved, it was originaly on the out side wall but after the extension that outside wall became an internal wall.

Kirsty

[chris.g]

Apparently, any good builder should have made sure that you had contacted the gas company. However, seeing as they didn't, I very much doubt they will accept any responsibility for the meter as it is, unfortunately, down to you.
Did the gas co. say why it's illegal? Maybe you could negotiate on this as there are still plenty of internal gas meters in properties, mine included,
xx

[cfnc]

thanks for your replies,

Apparently the pipe work that is inside the house should be metal and not plastic

Kirsty

[Soulgrowth]

What a pain these kind of situations are ... I get fed up now with authorities saying "its illegal" ... I live in a reasonably newish house ... certainly not old ... I had a chap round the other day to see about putting an outside security light up for me ... "can't do that" he said "it's illegal". My back boiler in my other house which was only put in 12 years ago is also verging on "it's illegal"!!

I think many of these "it's illegal" situations are just money spinners [:(]

Debbie

[angela18]

whats illegal about a security light Debbie??

[cfnc]

Yes it is a pain, but if we do have to move the meter or have our gas supply cut off I dont know how we are going to pay.

Sorry for moaning, but I have been awake most of the night worrying.

Kirsty

[Soulgrowth]

Apparently my wiring is "illegal" ... I have the new type of fuse box etc. so it can't that old ... something to do with new recent regulations! Which means that the majority of the country is now "illegal"

Kirtsy ... phone your IP today and ask their advice ... that's what they are there for [:)]

Debbie

[angela18]

think he may have had his jobsworth hat on!!

[cfnc]

Thanks I will do.

Kirsty