Habitation check costs

[TJoyce]

Hi, what sort of price should I expect to pay for an annual habitation check please (NO damp test required)? I’m struggling to get a price due to lockdown but I’m keen to get this sorted as soon as places open up. Carado T132. Thanks

 

[mike mcglynn]

To comply with warranty requirements hab check at Spinney motor homes Cheshire , last year £220

 

[Plumb]

But surely if the water level doesn't move there is no leak.

Well you could say that but the system should be tested at the minimum of the standing pressure of the gas being used , a let by test needs to be carried out and of course the ambient temperature needs to be considered also.

 

[Lenny HB]

To comply with warranty requirements hab check at Spinney motor homes Cheshire , last year £220

That's madness on a PVC, Carthgo Malibu PVC's no longer even require a damp check for the warranty.

 

[mitzimad]

A water gauge.

Monument Tools 30mb Gas Test Gauge - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Tests installed pipework for leaks prior to introduction of gas, checks and sets correct gas pressures on domestic and commercial appliances. Scale adjusts to zero water level. Marked in millibars. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

I always carry one of these in the van.
Amazon product ASIN B008ASXV8W
A lot of dealers just use a sniffer for the gas test but to do it properly you should use a water gauge.

surely you need a 36mb test as a minimum that guage only goes up to 30mb

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[Tonks]

When I had my last NCC habitation check done on my van, I was surprised at how much was involved. The checklist was two pages long. I must admit that as my van is pretty basic I don't get the check done every year, but I think it's worth getting it done periodically. The first one I had done included repairing two things which I'd got so used to 'working around' that I forgot to even mention them when I took the van in, but which got picked up by the guy doing the check. Last time they also sorted out a couple of 'wear and tear' items which strictly speaking weren't part of the hab service list. I'm not a very 'DIY' person, apart from very basic checks, so I like to know that my electrics and gas are in good order, and I also like to know that my 11 year old van is in full working order both mechanically and in the habitation bit.
Having seen some truly shocking PVCs, in terms of the safety of installations (even on some with beautiful interiors) I'd certainly get a habitation service from a trusted company on any new van I bought. My friends recently purchased VW Crafter based motorhome conversion had it's entire gas installation - and a lot of other things - condemned as dangerous only a few weeks after purchase, resulting in a legal battle (which they won) with the 'professional' converters who built it, followed by a significant amount of subsequent rectification work.

 

[Alfie159]

Paid £175 but got service in the deal too

 

[Polar bear]

I have mine checked each year by dealer which takes 4 hrs and every 2 months I damp check with meter and check for gas leaks with a gas meter as pipe connections on water and gas can vibrate loose. I also check 220v sockets for any faults.

 

[Bluethunder]

When we purchased our motorhome privatley the previous owner had a habitation check done the week before we picked it up this was done by a approved CCC company they charged him £150and also advised him that a new regulator was required for the Gaslow system as it was faulty this was supplied and fitted for a further £150,the vehicle was only 4 years old.
We picked it up and the following weekend went local to try it out,to my horror when i turned on the gas it spewed out everywhere,the backnuts on the cylinder were loose as well as on the regulater,after i tightened them i though all was ok until i tried to light one of the gas rings it would not stay on i knew this to be the thermocouple,also when i lit the gas fire i noticed the flame was not the right colour after i took the front off i found it was caked in dirt.
I did fix everything but thought i would phone the the guy who did the Hab check ,he told me in no uncertain terms to Piss off as his agreemant had nothing to do with me it was the previous owner that paid him and not me.
I tried reporting him to the Caravan Council ect but because it seems this is a trade body that looks after it,s members they didn,t want to know.
I have since purchased a damp meter and would NEVER pay someone to do basic checks at a crazy price.
Footnote,if anyone is considering buying a motorhome take a Damp Meter with you,we went with a friend to buy a M/Home from a dealer who told him because his M/Home had according to his meter had 9.5% damp he would only give him a trade price,so when we looked in the M/Home my mate was considering buying we got the damp meter out and it showed 20%,but according to the salesman this didn,t matter, we went back to my mates M/Home with the sales person and checked with my meter to show it was correct reading,the salesmen all of a sudden said he had another appointment and dissapeared.
When we left the dealership we noticed a Ferrari and a Porshe in the staff car park, i wonder how they afford them.

 

[Keith E]

I don’t rate hab checks as being much more than a gas safety check, and keeping the warranty “live”. They always seem expensive for what is involved. However, it surely makes some sense to have a checklist of other stuff to have a look at every now and then. Now that our van is coming to the end of the warranty period, I’m thinking I’ll do the hab check myself.
I can use the checklist which is the output of the last few hab checks I’ve paid for. But I’m interested to know if “the NCC list” is something better or different. Is the NCC list available somewhere?
And can I do the gas safety check myself? What gear would I need?

I was in agreement with you.
But we renewed the warranty at the end of next year so needed full servicing history.
I got it fully serviced in January and the moho needs 2000+ quid to repair the damp in the floor.. The warranty people are paying.

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[AXO66]

Chausson dealer will NOT undertake a warranry inspection without a habbitation check.

then when questioned cannot even dream up any way the 2 are linked., now the van is over 2 years old, so gas boiler etc out of guarentee.

How does the habitation inspection impinge on the damp warrantry.?

then has blames Chausson saying it's compulsary.


this is my only major concern with Chausson. Promoting a this rip off culture .

 

[wuzzlewood]

Chausson dealer will NOT undertake a warranry inspection without a habbitation check.

then when questioned cannot even dream up any way the 2 are linked., now the van is over 2 years old, so gas boiler etc out of guarentee.

How does the habitation inspection impinge on the damp warrantry.?

then has blames Chausson saying it's compulsary.


this is my only major concern with Chausson. Promoting a this rip off culture .

This was a major factor in me walking away from my local Chauson dealer! I did not want to be told I could only have the hab service with the dealer and be held over the proverbial barrel! The dealer in question doesn’t have the best reputation and is expensive for what servicing they offer!

I went back to Bailey, they allow any NCC company to do habitation service and although quality may be a bit suspect, they DO honour warranty and pay up!

I have NEVER returned to my supplying dealer in over 4 years, who are 250 miles away as I have never had to! Done everything through 2 local NCC approved workshops without a problem and with minimal delay!

 

[Basildog]

When I had my last NCC habitation check done on my van, I was surprised at how much was involved. The checklist was two pages long. I must admit that as my van is pretty basic I don't get the check done every year, but I think it's worth getting it done periodically. The first one I had done included repairing two things which I'd got so used to 'working around' that I forgot to even mention them when I took the van in, but which got picked up by the guy doing the check. Last time they also sorted out a couple of 'wear and tear' items which strictly speaking weren't part of the hab service list. I'm not a very 'DIY' person, apart from very basic checks, so I like to know that my electrics and gas are in good order, and I also like to know that my 11 year old van is in full working order both mechanically and in the habitation bit.
Having seen some truly shocking PVCs, in terms of the safety of installations (even on some with beautiful interiors) I'd certainly get a habitation service from a trusted company on any new van I bought. My friends recently purchased VW Crafter based motorhome conversion had it's entire gas installation - and a lot of other things - condemned as dangerous only a few weeks after purchase, resulting in a legal battle (which they won) with the 'professional' converters who built it, followed by a significant amount of subsequent rectification work.

Just been looking at a brand new VW transporter gas installation today
complete joke and potentially extremely dangerous, done by a so called professional conversion company.

 

[gwyntaxi]

I don’t rate hab checks as being much more than a gas safety check, and keeping the warranty “live”. They always seem expensive for what is involved. However, it surely makes some sense to have a checklist of other stuff to have a look at every now and then. Now that our van is coming to the end of the warranty period, I’m thinking I’ll do the hab check myself.
I can use the checklist which is the output of the last few hab checks I’ve paid for. But I’m interested to know if “the NCC list” is something better or different. Is the NCC list available somewhere?
And can I do the gas safety check myself? What gear would I need?

Re; gas safety check if you to ask what or how, leave it well alone or beta professional to check the gas.

 

[Wizz]

Just got a bit of a shock.
I've just booked my new MH in for this next August for its first hab check, purchased last August during the pandemic so only has a few hundred miles on clock, mostly gained from collecting it.
Well, the cost for the Hymer Hab service, and in the words of the service dept, " your vehicle is a Hymer' it will require a Hymer warranty sticker and underbody treatment so the complete cost is £429.00".
They state they also require it for 3 days to 'sanitise' it.
Thats not to mention the van service I still have to arrange.........
Phew !!!

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[bellabee]

Wizz, you have three different warranties on your vehicle - Mercedes, Hymer 2-year habitation warranty and Hymer 6-year water ingress warranty.

I've no idea what the terms of the Mercedes warranty are. Of the other two, you need to have an annual damp check, carried out by a Hymer dealer and entered on the Hymer central database, in order to maintain the water ingress warranty. According to the two different Continental dealers from whom we have purchased new Hymers, you do not have to have any further inspections in order to maintain the general Hymer warranty. We have had minor issues sorted under warranty on our vehicle and have certainly never had anything other than the damp checks.

As far as I'm aware, Hymer dispensed with the stickers some years ago. You should have a blue folder with a sheet of paper scheduling your annual damp checks. This is signed and stamped by the dealer when the checks are completed.

A damp check takes no more than 30 mins and will cost you less than 100 Euros on the Continent. We pay 70 Euros at our Belgian dealer and make the dealership our first stop when leaving Eurotunnel. As you live in 'The Garden of England', I imagine that a trip to Belgium or Germany could be an easier option for you than a 3-day visit to Staffordshire.

 

[Wizz]

Bellabee,

Thanks for all the information and the explanation.
That shows things in a very different light.

 

[Lenny HB]

Just got a bit of a shock.
I've just booked my new MH in for this next August for its first hab check, purchased last August during the pandemic so only has a few hundred miles on clock, mostly gained from collecting it.
Well, the cost for the Hymer Hab service, and in the words of the service dept, " your vehicle is a Hymer' it will require a Hymer warranty sticker and underbody treatment so the complete cost is £429.00".
They state they also require it for 3 days to 'sanitise' it.
Thats not to mention the van service I still have to arrange.........
Phew !!!

Like Chris we have bought 3 Hymers from the same Belgium dear, only ever had the damp check done never had a hab check. Never had problem with warranty work.
When we bought our 1st Hymer from them (our first Motorhome) we asked about hab check, dealers response was not needed if want one have it done at 5 years.

It bugs me we have to pay €70 for a damp, the internal walls are aluminium all they do is have a look round, damp meters won't work on it.

 

[Wikky]

We've had 3 mh and never had a hab check. I do my own checks. Never had any probs trading them in.
I use a damp meter and also a guage on the gas cylinders. It only requires some diy skills.

 

[Wizz]

This is all very enlightening, and very much appreciated, Lenny HB, and Wikky.

Lenny HB & bellabee.
The dealerships mentioned in Belgium, would it be likely they would carry out a damp check for a newly UK purchased MH ?
If so may I ask the name/details of the Belgium dealer if its not being too nosey ?
Thanks for all the info chaps in any event.

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[bellabee]

Wizz, I can't see why they wouldn't do the damp check for you. You'll be paying them their 70 Euros for half an hour's work, after all .

The dealership is Campirama in Izigem - an hour and a half from the Tunnel. You can arrive the night before and spend the night with EHU on their aire. They'll come and take your van in the morning and you'll be on the road again before lunch time.

They speak good English.

 

[Tyrefixer]

i have just booked my habitation check including damp check by CCC approved mobile agent , will cost the same as 2020
£100.00 + parts . Cost includes his travel 25 miles each way.
last year he replaced the gas hose at my request even though it was not due for replacement until this year cost £10.00 all costs include VAT and includes full written report for manufacturers damp warranty records.

 

[Wizz]

Wizz, I can't see why they wouldn't do the damp check for you. You'll be paying them their 70 Euros for half an hour's work, after all .

The dealership is Campirama in Izigem - an hour and a half from the Tunnel. You can arrive the night before and spend the night with EHU on their aire. They'll come and take your van in the morning and you'll be on the road again before lunch time.

They speak good English.

bellabee -Sounds like a great option. Thanks for the dealer info.

 

[Wizz]

i have just booked my habitation check including damp check by CCC approved mobile agent , will cost the same as 2020
£100.00 + parts . Cost includes his travel 25 miles each way.
last year he replaced the gas hose at my request even though it was not due for replacement until this year cost £10.00 all costs include VAT and includes full written report for manufacturers damp warranty records.

These costs seem fair, and what I would have expected. Something that I may well consider when my MH is out of warranty, and no longer in need of the stipulated brand inspections.

 

[DerryW]

Question. Does every single MH have to have an annual habitation inspection check regardless of age.

Thanking you in anticipation.

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[Lenny HB]

Question. Does every single MH have to have an annual habitation inspection check regardless of age.

Thanking you in anticipation.

No its down to you, Brit van stitch you up and won't do warranty work unless hab services have been done. German vans don't require a hab check for warranty.

Don't confuse hab checks with damp checks, damp check is needed for the water ingress warranty for the duration of the warranty on all vans.

 

[Wizz]

bellabee,
You made mention of 'a blue folder with a sheet of paper scheduling your annual damp checks'.
I have found the blue folder, and it has a sheet in it, but not sure if this is what you're referring to ?
(as attached)
I have nothing else from dealership other than various manuals.
I shall definitely be arranging a water ingress check, instead of the hab check. Thats great advice.
And also on a positive note, I just heard from Mercedes to say that service not needed for 2 years or 37K, whichever is first.

 

[bellabee]

Wizz, yes that's the folder, but it's not the schedule for damp checks. Your form is a certificate relating to the installation of LPG fired equipment in your van .

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Your date of first registration will be on your V5 and I would have thought that a dealer would be able to draw up a schedule for you when you have your first check. The schedule is useful because it provides you with easy reference as to when the checks were carried out, but the important thing is that checks are recorded on the Hymer centralised data base, by the dealer conducting them.

A quick email to Hymer Bad Waldsee may set your mind at rest.

 

[Wizz]

Thanks for that bellabee.

I'll get an email off to Hymer. If no success with this course of action, I'll address the issue when the MH goes in for its first check.

 

[Toady]

Interesting thread. Just bought a 2017 Hymer. It has had two habitation (including damp)checks. I have booked the third habitation check with a Hymer dealer but will now change that to a water ingress check. What was interesting was that whilst I had the paperwork for the second check, it appears that it had not been registered on the Hymer database. I contacted the Hymer dealer who carried out the check. Not exactly helpful. Full of excuses. As you can imagine I was not impressed and nicely asked them to sort it ASAP. Done now but may have been interesting down the line if any damp patches appeared

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[Snoopy]

Question. Does every single MH have to have an annual habitation inspection check regardless of age.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Hi we have a 2003 hymer, we ( choose) each year only had it 2 years..to have a Hab check. Last year mobile cost us £100 plus replacement gas pipe..part. Chap threw that in for nothing, 're booked for this year, with having grandkids it's something we feel more comfortable and secure knowing done thoroughly, good luck whatever you decide