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Quick question related to a recent situation. The glass on our stovetop just broke and unfortunately a glass repair is as much (actually more) than a new unit. We had a downdraft system (came with the house) which we didn't realize until getting our first quote means it costs 3x as much as a regular stovetop.
1) Thoughts on homes with stove tops without ventilation? Will this make it significantly harder to sell or otherwise look weird in this area or is this something likely to be overlooked by buyers? We're only expecting to be in the home another 6-12 months so I'm super-hesitant to drop $1700 on a replacement when we could replace it for $400 and open a window. Its an upper-middle class home (~350k) in a nice neighborhood. We didn't have any ventilation growing up, but it was definitely more of a working class home/upbringing...
2) Any suggestions for electricians in Durham for the install? Can't imagine this would be difficult (esp. if we replace with same unit), but haven't needed any electrical work done here before and electrical work isn't something I mess with myself.
While I don't like downdraft ventilation, I would not buy a house without any range top ventilation. All that smoke and grease circulating around the house would be a non-starter for me.
We've been looking at houses, and I don't think I'd be really thrilled about a house with no stove ventilation, but I don't think it would be a deal breaker if it was an otherwise good fit. I may offer a bit less so I could have one put in depending on the situation. I use mine almost daily. Actually, I walked away from a grilled cheese sandwich on the stove the other day to help with a stupid remote learning emergency and really needed the hood vent to clear out all the smoke. The smoke detector would have most definitely gone off if I didn't have one.
I grew up in an old house without range hood, and it was fine. That said, the house was already well ventilated as it was old and drafty and had high ceilings and lots of big windows. I don't think we had smoke detectors either.
This should show up on an inspection, as if I remember correctly NC references the IRC, where some type of range hood is required by code, either ducted outside (obviously preferred), or via a listed ductless unit. Section 15 should get you to the requirements of the IRC.
Don't a good portion of houses have over the range microwaves that just vent right back into the room?
Yes....with the dark grease/smoke spots on the ceiling above the stove to show for it.....
To OP:
Whether or not buyers notice it when they enter your house for showings; there's a very strong chance it will come up on the inspection report and that's probably a valid "concession" request.
If your house is otherwise a show-stopper in Durham in the mid 300s which is an incredibly active and competitive price point at the moment; then buyers will most likely over-look it in the initial phase and you would be likely to get high $DD in offers. However, subsequently, I would expect something to come up about it in the DD period.
Concede the money at the closing table or up front now; it's likely you'll pay it one way or the other if you are looking to sell in the near future.
FWIW; I have clients who will be listing their "everyone wants it" house in Hope Valley Farms in the late winter/early spring when their new build is almost ready. Even with new flooring throughout, new roof, new water heater, and fence in the back yard all within the last year....they still opted to replaced their inoperable vent (and the range itself) recently without me even bringing it up. Not in small part due to the fact that they will still be living there for another 4-6 months.
Quick question related to a recent situation. The glass on our stovetop just broke and unfortunately a glass repair is as much (actually more) than a new unit. We had a downdraft system (came with the house) which we didn't realize until getting our first quote means it costs 3x as much as a regular stovetop.
1) Thoughts on homes with stove tops without ventilation? Will this make it significantly harder to sell or otherwise look weird in this area or is this something likely to be overlooked by buyers? We're only expecting to be in the home another 6-12 months so I'm super-hesitant to drop $1700 on a replacement when we could replace it for $400 and open a window. Its an upper-middle class home (~350k) in a nice neighborhood. We didn't have any ventilation growing up, but it was definitely more of a working class home/upbringing...
2) Any suggestions for electricians in Durham for the install? Can't imagine this would be difficult (esp. if we replace with same unit), but haven't needed any electrical work done here before and electrical work isn't something I mess with myself.
As a homeowner, I would want good ventilation. I would want a good high volume range hood overhead and vented to the outside, not a down draft, not a vented microwave, nothing recirculating.
But, that is me...
Do you have a kitchen that a lot of buyers would want to renovate anyway?
If so, you might be able to get by on the cheap. Why spend money on something that is going to be torn out anyway?
So, you can kick the can down the road, so your real risk is really either a wasted $400 + electrician when you find you must have a downdraft installed to satisfy a buyer, or a lower sales price.
In your price range in Durham, right now, lower sales price is hardly a concern. In 6-12 months? Who knows?
Thanks all, this is very helpful. I agree that overhead ventilation would be ideal, but this is an island with fairly tall ceilings so it would be super-awkward to have that in the current setup. Beyond a recently broken cooktop, the kitchen is otherwise quite nice and new so its definitely not something a buyer would gut. And to clarify - we are in far N Durham (Treyburn), so nowhere near as in-demand as other parts of the city. This section seems to be doing better as Durham as a whole has taken off, but things do tend to sit longer and without the premiums commanded in S Durham or downtown.
I think we're just going to bite the bullet and pay for the new downdraft since it seems likely to come up now or later esp. as it "may" be an inspection item here (which I didn't realize).
Thanks all, this is very helpful. I agree that overhead ventilation would be ideal, but this is an island with fairly tall ceilings so it would be super-awkward to have that in the current setup. Beyond a recently broken cooktop, the kitchen is otherwise quite nice and new so its definitely not something a buyer would gut. And to clarify - we are in far N Durham (Treyburn), so nowhere near as in-demand as other parts of the city. This section seems to be doing better as Durham as a whole has taken off, but things do tend to sit longer and without the premiums commanded in S Durham or downtown.
I think we're just going to bite the bullet and pay for the new downdraft since it seems likely to come up now or later esp. as it "may" be an inspection item here (which I didn't realize).
Any advice on electricians?
DM jmellc and see if he can do it or can recommend an electrician.
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The smoke detector would have most definitely gone off if I didn't have one. 
