HIPS - Home Information Packs

Newton Electrical Contractors Ltd can provide an electrical inspection that covers your property under the new Home Information Packs (HIPS), Home Information Packs (HIPs) relate to homes with three bedrooms or more for now. However, for any vendor it’s still worthwhile using the principles of HIPs when considering purchasing your home – and asking some key questions before fixing that offer.


Energy Performance Certificates will become an essential part of the Home Information Pack, but you can ask a few simple questions yourself to determine the likely efficiency of any house:


Has the house got a new type condensing boiler and more specifically has it been fitted by a Corgi Registered Plumber, been dosed with chemical water and has the system been maintained correctly.


Check that the Loft is insulated. Insulation should be at least 250mm thick this can cut heat loss by approximately 30%.


If the house is quite new it probably has a cavity, check if the cavity has been insulated. This can reduce heat loss by another 30 %.


For any home improvements that have been undertaken, sellers have the option of supplying important documentation such as guarantees or certificates as part of the Home Information Pack. Whenever you look at a house it is worth taking a good look at any new fixtures or installations that have been carried out.


It is extremely important to look at any seemingly minor home improvement works as this may be covered by legislation, if the installation involves a new electrical circuit or installation or plumbing fixtures such as a new cooker, spotlights in the kitchen, an electric shower or a new en-suite bathroom. Please look at the Part P legislation for full details about installations that are notifiable under building regulations.


It is imperative that your solicitor following the Law Societies ‘Con 29’ criteria, which involves them asking the Local Authority about any Building Control work notifications on the property, either done by a Competent Person or DIY enthusiast.


The sellers should be able to provide a notification certificate from the Local Authority Building Control Office for any new installations of electrical or plumbing that have taken place in the last two years (one year for plumbing works). This establishes that the work has either been carried out with a registered Competent Person or has been inspected and checked that it is safe by the Local Authority’s Inspectors.


Buyers don’t be caught out. Research has shown that 50% of homeowners in England are unaware of the changes in legislation and that certain works carried out in their homes has been carried out without notifying building control. Therefore, many could be selling on houses with substandard, possibly dangerous, installations. Part P Building Regulations was established to protect the householder against buying a property in an unsafe condition.


The confusion and controversy surrounding HIPs has unfortunately cast a shadow over the positives behind the thinking of the scheme. Even without Home Information Packs, buyers should be more aware of the dangers and ask the right questions, before taking the plunge.


It is prudent to get an electrical inspection carried out prior to purchasing any property, it may save you thousands of pounds or at least give you some bargaining power when making an offer.


For further information on the requirements, Please contact us or the NICEIC website.