FAQ
What is a Home Information Pack (HIP)
The law now requires anyone selling a residential property on the open market in England & Wales to put together a Home Information Pack for potential home buyers. The Pack brings together all of the key information required when buying and selling a home, plus an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a voluntary Home Condition Report (HCR). For more details please visit the official government website at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The information contained within the Energy Performance Certificate enables buyers and sellers to get A-G ratings on their homes similar to fridge ratings as well as a list of practical measures to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions at the same time. The EPC is mandatory and is the first document in the HIP after the index. Click here to download a sample EPC in pdf format.
How can an EPC save me money
The recommendations contained within the EPC are designed to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. Using less energy to heat and light your home means lower fuel bills. It's as simple as that. Grants of up to 100% of the cost of installing energy efficient measures are available for those people on certain benefits. To find out more information and advice on how you can be more energy efficient in your home and whether you are eligible for a government funded grant, visit the sites below by clicking on the pictures.
 |
 |
What is a Home Condition Survey (HCS)
The Home Condition Survey is an objective report on the condition of the property on the date it was inspected. Unlike a traditional Homebuyers survey, the report is in a standard format using plain English and gives 'condition ratings’ to the major parts of the main building.
The main purpose of the report is to assess the property’s overall condition and functionality and to highlight any defects in the property that would be considered desirable or prudent to rectify or that may be hazardous to health and safety. It identifies any matters that require further investigation but minor defects that would not normally affect the sale of a property are not highlighted. A valuation of the property is not included, but a buildings reinstatement cost for insurance purposes is
The HCS is for the buyer (as opposed to the HCR, which is for the seller) and contains colour photographs of all the major defects found in the property. A full environmental report is also included at no extra cost. See our Services page for details where an example is available for download.
What is a Home Condition Report (HCR)
The Home Condition Report is similar to the HCS and is prepared for the seller. Unlike th HCS, the report does not contain the defect photographs or environmental report. The HCR is a voluntary document in the HIP and can be relied upon by buyers, sellers and lenders alike. Click here to download a sample HCR in pdf format.
Why should I bother having an HCR when it's voluntary
We strongly believe that sellers who commission an HCR on their property will be in a much better position to sell quickly. Potential buyers will look more favourably on a property that has an HCR and in time, will come to expect one before making an offer. Anyone who has had their chain collapse several weeks or months after a 'bad' survey will know the frustration it causes. Having an HCR at the point of marketing helps to eliminate this problem by allowing buyers to see the report before committing to the transaction. Many owners are unaware of defects in their homes and the HCR also gives them the opportunity to make repairs and to include any guarantees as part of the HIP.
Who can produce the HCS, HCR and EPC
Home Inspectors who are registered with a government approved Home Inspections Certification Scheme and who hold the ABBE Diploma in Home Inspection are allowed to produce both the HCR and EPC. The HCS is only available to Home Inspectors registered with SAVA (the leading body responsible for training surveyors and valuers).
Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) who are accredited to a similar scheme are also able to produce the EPC, but not the HCR or HCS. At Inspectus, we are registered members of both the SAVA Certification Scheme for Home Inspectors and the NHER Accreditation Scheme for Domestic Energy Assessors. This means we can offer the HCS, HCR and EPC.
How much will it all cost
Our stand alone EPC starts at just £57 + VAT. The HCS and HCR start at £299 + VAT and increase depending on the market value of the property. Our fully insured HIP code compliant Home Information Packs start at £249 + VAT. Please contact us for further details.
What if I don't agree with the findings in any of the reports
All our Inspectors are trained to the highest standards and offer a completely unbiased and objective opinion. The reports are completed with the utmost care and attention from extensive site notes to ensure everything is as accurate as possible and we are always happy to discuss any issues that may arise.
What if I want to complain
We would like to think our service is one of the best but are always keen to look at ways we could improve still further. We actively encourage feedback and hope to reslove matters at a personal level. Should the need arise, however, we do operate our own complaints procedure, details of which are available on request.