2007-09-03
Home Information Packs (HIPs) may only relate to homes with four bedrooms or more for now. However, for any home buyer it’s still worthwhile using the principles of HIPs when considering buying a property – and asking some key questions before putting in that offer.
An Energy Performance Certificate will become an important part of the Home Information Pack, but you can ask a few simple questions yourself to ascertain the likely efficiency of any house:
- Has the house got a condensing boiler and more importantly a properly maintained system that has been dosed properly with chemical water treatment? Don’t just check the age and type of boiler, also ask how the system has been maintained.
- Is the loft insulated? Insulation that is at least 250mm thick can cut heat loss by around 30 per cent.
- Does the house have cavity wall insulation. This can reduce heat loss by over 30 per cent.
As part of the Home Information Pack sellers have the option of supplying other important documentation such as guarantees or certificates for any home improvements that have been undertaken. Whenever you view a house it is worth taking a closer look at any new fixtures or installations that have recently been carried out.
Even seemingly minor home improvement works may be covered by legislation, if they involve a new installation of electrical or plumbing fixtures such as a cooker extractor hood, spotlights in either the bathroom or kitchen, an electric shower or a new en-suite bathroom.
Make sure that your solicitor is following the Law Societies ‘Con 29’ criteria, which will involve them asking the Local Authority about any Building Control work notifications they have, either done by a Competent Person or by themselves.
For any new installations of electrical or plumbing fixtures that have taken place in the last two years (one year in the case of plumbing works) the sellers should be able to provide a notification certificate from the Local Authority Building Control Office. This proves that the work has either been carried out with a registered Competent Person or been inspected and checked that it is safe by the local authority.
Buyers are set to be caught out. Recent research by NAPIT discovered that 50% of homeowners that had recently installed fixtures or fittings covered by legislation were unaware of the requirements, meaning many could be selling on houses with substandard, possibly dangerous, installations.
Says John Andrews, chief executive of NAPIT “The controversy and confusion surrounding HIPs has unfortunately overshadowed the positives of the thinking behind the scheme. Even without a Home Information Pack buyers should be more aware of the pitfalls and ask the right questions, before taking the plunge.”
For further information on the requirements, or to find a registered electrician or plumber visit NAPIT website (see link below)
For further information please contact Emma Marsh or Sarah Learoyd at CIB Communications on Tel: 01372 371800, Fax: 01372 371 801 or Email emmam@cibcommunications.co.uk.
|
Related contacts
|
NAPIT
(Part P Office)
4th Floor
Mill 3
Pleasley Vale Business Park
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG19 8RL
Tel: 0870 4441392
Fax: 0870 4441427 |
Email NAPIT
|
| For latest electrical industry news, register for Voltimum's free newsletter. |
|
|
Source: NAPIT |
Back