The UK’s leading electrical regulatory body, NICEIC, is calling on the Government to include a mandatory electrical survey in the delayed Home Information Packs (HIPs) to give homebuyers more information about the condition of the property they are buying.
The UK’s leading electrical regulatory body, NICEIC, is calling on the Government to include a mandatory electrical survey in the delayed Home Information Packs (HIPs) to give homebuyers more information about the condition of the property they are buying.
HIPS, which are now due to be phased in from 1st August 2007 will provide details about a home to prospective buyers before it is sold and aim to reduce the current amount of house sales that don’t go through, wasted costs and duplication on surveys, as well as reducing costs which are incurred due to gazumping.
“There has been controversy surrounding Home Information Packs, their contents and the cost to the home owner. More joined-up thinking is required to ensure consumer confidence in them, but the original premise behind them is correct,” said Jim Speirs, Chief Executive of NICEIC Group. “NICEIC is supportive of any Government initiative which promotes good practice and adherence to the Building Regulations, particularly relating to electrical safety.”
But while HIPs will include an energy performance certificate, giving buyers info on how energy efficient the home is, currently it is down to buyers to seek professional advice on the condition of the electrics in the home they are proposing to buy. Many homebuyers are unaware that most bank and building society surveys only include a visual inspection of the electrics that are on show.
Faulty electrics can cost thousands of pounds to put right, not to mention the disruption that goes with it, but an electrical survey will inspect and test the whole installation to safeguard against hidden dangers and unforeseen costs.
“NICEIC is calling on the Government to use the delay in the introduction of HIPs to include mandatory electrical surveys,” adds Jim. “With 40% of homes in Britain built before 1945 it is essential to have an electrical survey, especially on older properties, before exchanging contracts. Their inclusion in HIPs will give homebuyers an idea of any electrical work that is required, and the estimated cost of remedial work, which they may be able to negotiate off the asking price. NICEIC Approved or Registered Contractors should be the first stop for homeowners if electrical repairs or installations need to be carried out.”
Knowing what work needs doing in advance means it can be rectified before moving in and before any re-decoration work takes place.
The following tell tale signs indicate if the electrics need further inspection:
- Cables coated in black rubber, which was phased out in the 1960s.
- Cables coated in lead or fabrics are even older. Modern cables use PVC insulation, which is usually coloured grey or white.
- A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or haphazard mixture of circuit boxes.
- Older round pin sockets and round light switches, braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
Notes to editors:
NICEIC is an independent voluntary electrical regulatory body that has been assessing the competence of electricians for the past 50 years. NICEIC maintains a register under license from the Electrical Safety Council of around 20,000 Approved Contractors and Domestic Installers that meet national safety standards and codes of practice. It is for this reason, and because all electrical contractors are periodically assessed by one of its area engineers that NICEIC’s symbol is one that you can trust.