The government has introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) to improve the home-buying process.
Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates have been implemented on a phased basis from 1 August 2007. From then, the packs will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger, with smaller properties being phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified.
The pack will contain information about the property such as terms of sale, title deeds, local searches, warranties, and an Energy Performance Certificate. As a home owner you will find it beneficial to include a Home Condition Report to your HIP. The Home Condition Report is a ‘health check’ on your property. It can help speed up the sale and provide a competitive advantage over other properties.
If a gas appliance is installed or replaced in your property by a Gas Safe registered installer they should provide the details of their work to Gas Safe. Gas Safe will then send you a certificate that you can keep for your Home Condition Report. The certificate provides evidence that the work you have had carried out on your home has been carried out by a competent person and meets relevant standards. If Building Regulations are applicable the certificate will provide evidence that the work meets Building Regulations and has been appropriately notified to Local Authority Building Control.
You will receive from Gas Safe either a Declaration of Safety Certificate or a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. You can request a copy of a certificate from Gas Safe. Using a Gas Safe registered trades person who is a member of the Gas Safe Competent Persons Scheme is your assurance that you will receive a certificate whilst also providing peace of mind regarding the safety and standards of the work.
For more information about Building Regulations and the introduction of the Home Information Pack visit the Department for Communities and Local Government website at www.communities.gov.uk|