Whether you are thinking of buying or selling a home, it is wise to give some advanced thought to what you should look for/need in a HIPS pack. An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is an important document that is required. What are Energy Performance Certificates?
If you want to impress a prospective purchaser, and make your home as saleable as possible, it is wise to ensure your property is as highly energy efficient as possible, to enable your property to get a decent rating, making it a more attractive proposition than a property that will cost a fortune to heat and have a huge carbon footprint. If you want your home to have a decently rated Energy Performance Certificate, ensure that your boiler has been serviced and that it is an energy efficient as possible, your loft insulated, walls cavity filled and make sure your windows and doors have been double glazed with energy efficient glass.
Likewise, if you are looking to purchase a home, these energy saving measures will make your new property much more economic to run, whilst reducing your own carbon foorprint. As long as such important energy efficient home improvements have all been installed, the HIPS pack provided by the owner should contain an Energy Performance Certificate with an impressive rating.
The Directgov.uk website explains that “EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place. The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is ‘D’. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.”
“An EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. If you are a landlord or homeowner and need to provide an EPC, you’ll need to contact an accredited domestic energy assessor. They will carry out the assessment and produce the certificate. The accreditation scheme makes sure that domestic energy assessors have the necessary skills and are able to carry out the survey to agreed standards.” Find out how to get an Energy Performance Certificate
Why you need a Home Information Pack (HIPS)
“A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller’s agent. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can’t market your property without one. The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.” (Directgov.uk website)
For Freehold UK properties a HIP pack must contain a HIP index, the new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), a Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), sustainability information (required for newly built homes), sale statement, evidence of title, standard searches (local authority and drainage and water). If the property is Leasehold, all the above is required in addition to a copy of the lease.
With saving energy an every increasing priority for governments due to the environmental benefits, it is wise to either buy an energy efficient home that has a low carbon footprint, which will save you money off your energy bills, or improve and invest in the energy efficiency of your existing home by making it as insulated as possible, reducing your carbon emmisions, which if and when you decide to sell, will give it a decent EPC and more likely to fetch its market value.
CATAGORY|Carbon Footprint, Home Improvements, Saving Energy, Saving Money
(week two)
Buying a conservatory is a significant investment which, like many purchases, needs to be sufficiently researched and considered with care. Whatever it is you want to use your conservatory for, getting the right conservatory will transform your home and ultimately increase the value of your property.
So, with this is mind we want to share our bespoke conservatory buyers guide so you can buy the conservatory of your dreams with confidence and peace of mind. Our no-nonsense guide will enable you to evaluate, compare and hopefully find the right conservatory that compliments your home.
Aluminium Walnut Wood Grain Conservatory
Although you can download our buyers guide in its entirety from the Hazlemere website, we’ve decided to break it down into digestible chunks for you. Every week we will provide you with the expert advice and benefits of introducing a stunning and practical conservatory to your property. Our aim is very simple: to turn what could be a potential headache into an altogether more pleasurable experience!
Last week we focused on Conservatory Planning Permission and Conservation Awareness. This week we’ll be focusing on Aesthetics and Construction, which are integral to the longevity of your conservatory installation.
Aesthetics
Many homes now boast a conservatory, and whilst at first glance they may all appear the same, there are some significant differences that dictate how pleasing the overall appearance of your conservatory is. As with the windows and doors in your home, a poorly designed conservatory will have an impact on the value of your home so it pays to get it right from the start.
Look around your local area and take note of what appeals to you and what doesn’t, particularly if you see a conservatory on a house that is a similar style to your own home.
Try to assess conservatories that have been up for a while to see what a difference a few years of weathering can make to them – you may be very surprised to realise how many begin to look very tired after just a short while.
Construction
Anyone that has owned a conservatory before or spent any amount of time in one will have some appreciation of how the design and construction can affect how usable the room actually is.
Good quality planning, design and construction will ensure you have a room that is neither too warm nor too cold; can be used exactly as intended without compromise and stays looking as good as the day it was finished for many years to come. Unfortunately all too often homeowners are left with conservatories that are poorly constructed leading to damp and water penetration; that become unbearably hot as soon as the sun appears and has them retreating to a quieter room as soon as it starts to rain. Avoiding these problems is actually quite simple and just comes down to research and working with a reputable company that really does want to deliver a conservatory you can enjoy.
Finding a reputable supplier is probably one of the most important parts of any research you do into your proposed conservatory purchase. Don’t be tempted by those companies that sell on price alone as you will most likely end up disappointed with your purchase in the long term. Look for a company that is well established and preferably one that sells different conservatory ranges rather than just one. These companies are more able to tailor their offer to you rather than shoe-horning your requirements into the single product range they offer.
Finally, remember to ask questions at every stage – a good supplier will be able to answer all your questions. And, if they can’t? Look elsewhere!
See our full conservatory buyer’s guide for advice on choosing a conservatory, the many styles available, the pros and the cons of different materials and how planning law applies to glass conservatories.
Next week: Materials
CATAGORY|Conservatories
In an article on the UIA website entitled “Green properties could make bills cheaper for home insurance customers” by Victor Onuohae he states that “Home insurance customers could make alterations to their property to make it eco-friendly – and may, as a result, enjoy significant savings on their energy bills.”
Chairman of the climate change committee Lord Adair Turner has urged people to take “a whole house approach” and splash out on making their home greener.
But Gordon Miller, founder of whatgreenhome.com, suggested that: “Lord Turner is putting the cart before the horse a little bit here. Most people in the UK haven’t even done the basics yet”.
Simple home improvements, such as adding insulation and choosing an efficient boiler, can save homeowners cash on bills.
“Double glazing and cavity wall fillings can also have the desired effect – on the environment, on bills and also on home insurance premiums as double glazing, for example, makes a house more secure.”
“Earlier this month Lord Adair Turner also claimed that by the 2020s Britain will have to decarbonise its electricity output.” says Victor Onuohae of UIA (Insurance) Ltd
CATAGORY|Saving Energy, Saving Money
(week one)
Buying a conservatory is a major investment which, like all such purchases, needs to be comprehensively researched and considered with care. Whatever it is you want to use your conservatory for, getting the right conservatory will transform your home and ultimately add value to your property.
So, with this is mind we want to share our bespoke conservatory buyers guide so you can buy the conservatory of your dreams – with confidence and peace of mind. Our no-nonsense guide will enable you to evaluate, compare and hopefully find the right conservatory that compliments your home.
Although you can download our buyers guide in its entirety from the Hazlemere website, we’ve decided to break it down into digestible sections for you. Once a week we will provide you with the key advice and benefits of introducing a beautiful and practical conservatory to your property. Our aim is very simple: to turn what could be a potential headache into an altogether more pleasurable experience!
This week we’ll be focusing on Planning Permission and Conservation Awareness, which at times can be complex and intimidating.
Hazlemere Aluminium Conservatory Installation In Final Construction Phase
Ultimately it is your responsibility to seek planning permission. If planning permission is required, it must be applied for by you or your installer and granted before any work begins. If you don’t get the right permissions you risk being told to remove your conservatory at your cost.
Whether or not you need planning permission for a conservatory depends on the size of it in relation to your home; whether your home has been previously extended (up to its ‘Permitted Development Rights’) and whether it is a listed building, in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads.
If the conservatory alters the shape of your existing house and roof then you may also need additional planning permission. It is worth noting that many new housing developments do not have any ‘Permitted Development Rights’ at all. It is strongly advisable to obtain a ‘Certificate of Lawful Proposed Development’ from your Local Authority, as in the vast majority of cases one or planning permission is required.
This is invaluable if you ever try to sell your home and need to prove whether you had permission to build your conservatory. Reputable conservatory companies will help you through the planning process, even submitting the plans and dealing with enquiries on your behalf. Always ensure you see the final written planning permission before you allow work to begin.
The second half of the planning process is ensuring that your extension complies with Building Regulations. Most conservatories will actually be exempt from Building Regulations if certain ‘Exemption Criteria’ are met with regards to its design i.e. it has a completely transparent or translucent roof; predominantly glazed wall areas; the floor area doesn’t exceed 30 square metres and it is at ground level.
The most critical of these considerations is whether the conservatory will be separated from the main house by a door. If you plan to have the conservatory totally open to the rest of the house then you will need to abide by the building regulations. Again, the best source of advice is a reputable supplier but if you are in any doubt then ensure your plans are shown to your local council before work begins and any necessary consent obtained in writing.
Concerning Conservation
It is worth bearing in mind that in some areas of the UK, planning controls have prevented homeowners from installing a conservatory completely. However, even in very conservation minded areas, if the conservatory is carefully designed and sympathetic to the building and the area it is located in, it is possible for planning objections to be overcome – it always pays to talk directly with the planners in your area to find out what their objections actually are and to establish what they might consider acceptable. You may have to jump through hoops to get permission and it may take some time, but persevering with your plans can work.
See our full conservatory buyer’s guide for advice on choosing a conservatory, the many styles available, the pros and the cons of different materials and how planning law applies to glass conservatories.
Next week: Aesthetics and Construction
CATAGORY|Conservatories
Whether you have a single glazed window in a property or a single glazed window with secondary glazing or a modern double glazed window, or even a super duper triple glazed window, they all perform the same function of forming a barrier between the elements and the interior, in effect acting as transparent walls.
A cross section of a wall can either be a thick slab of building material or normally two walls with a cavity in between, as these double walls provide insulated protection between the interior and exterior. The air between the walls allows the outside wall to be cold while the inside surface of the wall can be at room temperature.
For example, when building a conservatory, it is important to remember that the double glazing you choose for the sides should be as energy efficient as possible, as you want it to perform the same task as double brick cavity insulated walls as far as possible. Whilst a conservatory can not be as energy efficient as a brick built extension, you will save on your heating bills by opting for Low E Argon filled sealed units with a thermal break. Yes, these cost a bit more, but you need to remember the double glazed windows and doors are acting double walls, so the higher the specification you go for, the better energy efficiency you will get.
UPVC Conservatory With Cavity Brick Dwarf Wall
If you need convincing, go into a greenhouse in winter, which you will find not warm, even if heated! Given this, why would you want to put up with single pane windows on your property, especially when you know money and energy is pumping out of them? Nowadays, builders layer walls with brick, plywood, sheetrock and studs etc., then finish the job with a layer of insulation, so why would you want the windows in your home to be any different?
In the past builders made a hole in a wall, filled it with a frame and then put in a layer of glass. Glass is no match for what the elements can throw at you. Nowadays, modern replacement double glazing does the same thing we ask of our double walls. The outer pane is dependent on the weather, whilst the inner pane depends more on what the room temperature is. The only reason the inner pane can keep warmer drier air in, is because the outer pane acts as the first line of defence.
As well as being more aethestically pleasing, and adding value and saleability to your property, today’s energy rated double glazing will also pay for itself over time if you stay in the property long enough. The money and energy saved by installing energy efficient, energy saving windows will help off-set the initial investment outlay. To ensure you get double glazing products that do save you significant money off your heating bills, make sure you install windows that have a British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) rating of “C” or above. The most efficient double glazing in the marketplace as endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust and the BFRC is either “A” rated aluminium windows or “A” rated UPVC windows, whichever you think best suits your property. If you are thinking of investing in double glazed windows, don’t settle for less than “C” rated or above, as in my opinion, BFRC “C” energy rated double glazed windows will deliver you the best possible return on your investment.
CATAGORY|Saving Energy, Saving Money, Windows & Doors
To assist homeowners take their own window and door measurements, Hazlemere Windows have produced a “Quick Windows & Doors Estimator” This guide, designed to enable you to take your own accurate measurements, can be downloaded from their website, and once completed, brought into Hazlemere’s High Wycombe Showroom on Cressex Business Park (which is open 7 days a week) or posted, or faxed, or even scanned and emailed.
One of Hazlemere Windows experienced expert window and door consultants will then take your measurements and come up with a no obligation “on the spot” estimate. Should you then want a firm no obligation written quotation for you to consider in your own time, they will arrange a convenient time to come and have a look at your property to ensure that the quotation is priced accurately, and that the product(s) you have chosen is right for your home, plus of cause that it will fit!
The other reason why it is important a windows and doors consultant does carry out a free survey of your property is so that they can provide you with professional advice on you what you may or may not be required to have to comply with current building regulations, such as toughened glass, sufficient trickle vents where appropriate, obscure glass and fire escape hinges in upstairs bedrooms etc.
One of the reasons why Hazlemere Windows, Doors & Conservatories came up with the customer focused “Quick Window Estimator” was to provide potential new clients who are unaware of our “No Pressure Promise” with a free home improvements estimating service without them having to the run the “risk” of having the unwanted presence of high pressure salesmen from other double glazing installers in their home, when all they are looking for is an indication of costs.
CATAGORY|Home Improvements, Windows & Doors
There has been alot of online activity from consumers to find out whether or not there is in fact a government national windows scrappage scheme. Such a financially helpful scheme would not only assist hard pressed householders, during these recessionary times, but also act as an incentive to property owners to fit the latest technologically advanced energy efficient energy saving double glazed windows, as well as be a much needed boost to double glazing installers, challenged by rising raw material costs and a mature declining market.
Two national double glazing companies currently have their own sales and marketing “discount” schemes to try and generate new sales under a “national scrappage scheme” banner. However as Renegade Conservatory Guy points out on his blog it was only a matter of time before they “created their own window scrappage scheme”, and going by some of the comments by consumers on his blog on the subject, some seem very unimpressed by such clear marketing ploys.
Sadly, there is no government windows scrappage scheme……yet, but you can join the campaign led by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) by signing up the the number 10 petition submitted by Nigel Rees of the GGF. So far 1,730 have signed the following petition, which has a closing date of 24th March 2010. “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce a window scrappage scheme in the UK to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.” Sign the petition
Obviously, if a government funded national windows scrappage scheme did ever come into being, it would hopefully act as an incentive to install energy efficient energy saving “green” windows. Under the proposed GGF scheme it is hoped that householders will be encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation costs of new, professionally installed, energy efficient double glazed ones. The benefits to consumers would include the £1,000 saving, a facelift for their property, lower energy bills and a reduction in their carbon footprint as a consequence of more energy efficient homes. Both the environment and Government carbon reduction targets would also benefit with the reduction of emissions from the existing housing stock.
Consequently, the Buckinghamshire based Hazlemere Window Company fully support the GGF’s call for a national window scrappage scheme, particularly after the proven success of the national car scrappage scheme, which reportedly has accounted for one in five of all new car sales over recent months!
The GGF is a recognised authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window and home improvement industries and is a trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products. The GGF also provides helpful information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. The GGF is a promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’s Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new energy efficient windows.
Energy efficient windows (EEWs) can make a massive difference by improving the thermal performance of the existing UK housing stock. Nigel Rees, Chief Executive of the GGF, commented recently that “Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have a huge role to play in improving the thermal performance of the existing housing stock”. “EEWs can reduce emissions by 10% from dwellings nationally and reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%.”
In a recent online press release entitled “Will the GGF proposed national scrappage scheme save our planet” the issue of dealing with PVCu waste was rightly raised, suggesting that if the proposed scheme is adopted, it is anticipated that this would trigger an upturn in demand for the latest generation of double glazed windows and doors. No doubt any upturn in sales would trigger questions about the disposal of old PVC windows and doors in an environmentally responsible way. Despite the fact that it is often said that PVC is not recyclable, this is not the case. Firms like Ecoplas recycle PVC. As the press release states “There is a range of methods already available for deriving residual value from used plastics products. In fact, PVC, like all other thermoplastic materials, can be recycled relatively straightforwardly.”
Managing Director of Ecoplas, Ian Tippett commented on the recent proposal. “Whilst I feel it is a good idea to incentivise homeowners to make energy efficient changes, it is equally as important to prevent post consumer windows and doors going to landfill. Our company specialises in this area and it is both environmentally beneficial and cost effective. At Ecoplas we have the capability to process old window frames and convert them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products. We are keen to expand our operations in this area and to support companies wishing to show a real commitment to deal with their post consumer waste responsibly”.
Whilst the GGF proposed window scrappage scheme will obviously not save the planet, it would, if introduced, send the right signal to consumers that the government is committed to encouraging and supporting energy efficiency, reducing the UK’s carbon emmissions and helping homeowners save energy. So, lets have a government national windows scrappage scheme please!
CATAGORY|Carbon Footprint, Saving Energy, Windows & Doors
Bideford College 70 Metre Roof Light During Installation by Hazlemere Commercial
Hazlemere Commercial’s £2.2m contract to install
aluminium commercial doors, windows and curtain walling at Bideford College in Devon is on schedule for completion early in the New Year, whilst the main contractor is not due to do the final handover until the Autumn of 2010. Now the vast majority of the energy saving double glazing has been fitted, the internal works can get underway at a pace.
One major feature of this sustainability project is an aluminium sloping curtain wall 70 metre rooflight. All the commercial aluminium window and door frames on this redevelopment project have been fabricated by Hazlemere Commercial using 100% re-cycled aluminium billet. Working in conjunction with main contractors Morgan Ashurst on this £44m exciting project (funded under the Governments’s Building Schools for the Future scheme), Hazlemere Commercial’s team of experienced fitters, installed the aluminium curtain walling, commercial windows and doors to an agreed timetable.
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
Nowadays any replacement glazing, whether single or double glazed, comes within the scope of the Building Regulations, to the point where anyone who installs replacement windows or doors in domestic premises must comply with current thermal performance standards.
As the FENSA homeowner page on the FENSA website explains: “The reason for this is to reduce energy loss in line with Government policy. The Building Regulations have controlled glazing in new buildings for many years but this represents only a very small percentage of our total building stock. It is essential to improve the performance of the much larger number of existing buildings if we are to meet increasingly stringent national and global energy saving targets.”
“When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser’s solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations. There are currently two ways to prove compliance:-
a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered with FENSA or a similar body
a certificate from the Local Authority Building Control stating that the installation has been approved under the Building Regulations.”
Hazlemere Window Company Ltd are FENSA registered, so all Hazlemere retail customers who purchase replacement windows and/or doors from the Hazlemere Group have a) the right piece of paper and therefore b) peace of mind.
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
During a pre-arranged visit in response to a request for a double glazing quotation, one of Hazlemere’s senior sales consultants was presented with “The Rules” when arriving for a double glazing appointment in South Bucks, and was asked to read them before any discussions took place. Naturally our sales consultant had no problem complying with the customers wishes. Having subsequently been privileged to read “The Rules”, I was both a) so impressed, and b) so amused, I thought it would be helpful to share them:
Rule 1: “You can only quote for budgetary purposes on the windows at the moment. If the price seems reasonable you can do accurate measurements at another time to confirm accurate prices.”
Rule 2: “Quote on the simplest UVPC in white. We can embellish later.”
Rule 3: “Locks on all windows.”
Rule 4: “You are STRONGLY advised NOT to play Double Glazing Salesman’s games like “I’ll call my manager to see if I can get you a special deal” or discover a last-minute promotion you can apply. Don’t bother with “Can I see you together”, “You get a special discount voucher because you called us” or assumptive double-bind closes – if you do ANY of that I/we will humiliate you with extreme sarcasm and you’ll be running for the door.”
Rule 5: “Japanese Quoting Rules – “The Best price first time on final quote.” You stand or fall by it (Changes of specification excluded and only when we have accepted the ball-park estimates to do accurate pricing)”
Rule 6: “In return I/we will be open and honest. If I/we get better quotes we will share with you to help you reach your order tipping point.”
In summary, this client had clearly had previous unhelpful experiences with double glazing sales personnel, who do themselves, nor the industry any favours in seemingly sadly perpetuating the poor reputation of double glazing salesmen. There is nothing worse, in my opinion, than a sales person who refuses to leave your home immediately the moment you ask them to. I have heard some harrowing tales from clients who I have spoken to in our showroom, who after all just wanted a quote for double glazing! Is that too much to ask?
As in the above visit by an experienced Hazlemere sales consultant, we at Hazlemere Windows, get so so many potential customers who have had similar experiences coming to us, as they know they will not be pressurized or pestered, whether in their own home or in our High Wycombe Showroom on Cressex Business Park. It is so sad that this client felt he had to protect his household with “The Rules” and yet they are very fair, worldly wise and sensible.
Here at the Hazlemere Group, we give a “No Pressure Promise” and encourage potential customers to take their time and look round the showroom on their own (experts are on hand should they wish to ask questions) and are delighted to do a free home survey, and then and there provide a written quotation to leave with clients to consider in their own good time. So, as for complying with “The Rules”, Hazlemere Window Company Ltd are only too delighted to do so.
CATAGORY|Conservatories, Windows & Doors
