- How much will HCRs and EPCs cost?
The cost of preparing a HCR and or EPC will be dependant
on the size and type of property. Contact
us for a free no obligation quotation for each property.
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- How long will a HCR and EPC take to produce?
Completion of these reports is dependant on gaining access
to the property to carry out the survey. Once that has been
arranged and the survey carried out, the reports can be
prepared, logged onto the Governments database and despatched
within a very short period of time. (Usually within 48 hours)
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- How long is a HCR and EPC valid?
These reports show the condition of a property at a given
time, if a property has been on the market for a long period
after the date of the inspection, the buyer should check
the details, ask the vendor if any significant changes have
been carried out and if supporting documentation is available.
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- What is involved with a Pre-HCR survey?
The licensed Home Inspector will visit the property and
identify the areas which would receive a category of either
2 or 3 during a Home Condition Report Inspection. The homeowner
can then decide on what action to take in these areas. [top]
- Do new builds need HCRs and EPCs?
HIPs for new build properties should include an Energy
Performance Certificate (or a "predicted energy assessment"
for off-plan sales). A Home Condition Report could also
be included on a voluntary basis. [top]
- Who can view the HCR and EPC?
The person or estate agent responsible for marketing the property
has a duty to provide a copy of the HIP or any part of it
to a potential buyer who asks for it. This will be in either
a hard copy format or CD. The only exceptions to this rule
are where it is believed that;
-the person making the request could not afford the property
in question.
-the person making the request is not really interested in
buying the property or
- the potential buyer is not a person to whom the seller would
wish to sell the property. [top]
- When is payment due for the HCRs and
EPCs?
One of the key goals of the introduction of HIPs is to
reduce the number of uncertain vendors coming onto the market.
Therefore payment from individuals would be requested upon
arrangement for inspection. For larger volume clients an
invoice period can be agreed. [top]
- Is the Home Inspector liable for the accuracy
of the HCRs and EPCs?
Yes and any redress would be through their professional
indemnity (PI) insurance.
HISCO Ltd. is a registered member of the BRE Certification
scheme. The scheme is responsible for;
- Evaluating prospective Home Inspectors to determine whether
they are qualified and fit and proper persons suitable to
undertake Home Condition Reports (HCRs) and Energy Performance
Certificates (EPCs).
- Maintaining a public register of their member Home Inspectors
- Periodically renewing HI membership subject to the individual
demonstrating that they remain eligible, suitable and competent
- Ensuring that all HCRs and EPCs are backed up with appropriate
Professional Indemnity Insurance. [top]
- Can a house be marketed without an EPC?
No, before marketing your home the EPC has to have been
prepared. The only exceptions to this are;
- properties where no marketing takes place (e.g. sold
to a member of the family)
- non- residential properties
- seasonal and holiday accommodation
- mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
- right to buy and similar sales
- sales of portfolios of properties
- Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession.
- Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished. [top]
- Where can I get further information on how
to improve the energy efficiency of my home?
The
Energy Savings Trust gives free impartial advice and
tells you about the grants available in your area to make
energy-efficient measures. [top]
