How Can I Tell If The Fireplace is Working?
Hiring a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) Inspector will help determine if fireplace is working properly. A WETT Inspector is one of the professionals you will be relying on when purchasing a Whistler property with a pellet or wood-burning fireplace.
What Does The WETT Inspector Look For?
The WETT Inspector will determine the condition of the hearth, fireplace, damper, flue, vents, and chimney, etc. If it passes the inspection then a WETT Certificate will be issued which is essential to obtaining property insurance. Considering how much of the fireplace is not visible from the living room, and how long the fireplace has been operational, it is hardly surprising that there could be issues.
Is It Buyer Beware When It Comes To Fireplaces?
Many Buyers would argue that providing the Wett Certificate should be the responsibility of the Seller/listing agent. It is one of those documents that informs the Buyer that the Seller has done due diligence before listing. However, in 20 years of representing Buyers, I have never seen a Seller provide a WETT Certificate. Since any defect that could have been discovered through an inspection by a Professional is not a Material Latent Defect, it is Caveat Emptor, or Buyer Beware. Since Buyer Beware is a major factor in buying real estate in BC it is left to the Buyer to pay for a WETT Inspection as part of their due diligence.
What Does a WETT Inspection Cover?
There is a list of factors and I have taken this information from the internet and here is what it said:
- A detailed look at the chimney.
- An evaluation of the liner and flue.
- Smoke chamber check.
- Inspection of the damper.
- A close appraisal of the firebox.
- A superficial and structural look at the hearth or floor around the appliance.
- A general inspection of the surrounding area.
Insurance
The insurance broker will need a WETT certificate for each non-gas fireplace. Note: if the fireplace is gas, then no WETT certificate is needed for insurance purposes.
Sometimes a Buyer leaves talking to the insurance agent until the week before closing. There may be no WETT Certificate so the insurance broker agrees to insure the property on the basis of receiving a WETT Certificate so that the sale can complete. However, what if there is a problem with any aspect of the fireplace and a WETT Certificate cannot be issued? It may result in the insurance brokerage being unwilling to insure the house to the full extent until the fireplace or chimney has been remedied at the expense of the Buyer.
Buyer’s Agent
It is the responsibility of the Buyer’s agent to guide the Buyer to the professional resources required for a frictionless transaction. The cost of repairing a fireplace can be expensive. If there is structural work to the chimney then the costs start to escalate with every professional involved.
For more information on WETT check out their website at https://www.wettinc.ca
Insurance
Providing the WETT Certificate is one aspect of getting insurance. Read my blog on Insurance. The post details the documents required to obtain insurance.
Next Step
If you think I would be a good fit to work with you and your family, and you are not already working with a Whistler realtor, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
It’s a Good Life in Whistler!
Marion
Marion Anderson Personal Real Estate Corporation
marion@WhistlerSkiinSkiout.com (604) 938-3885