Mon, 04 May 2026 18:33:34 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14782#Comment_14782 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14782#Comment_14782 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:44:52 +0000 Jeff
I've been away from here for a bit. Joined at the end of last year ready for when we bought a big renovation project. Unfortunately the purchase fell through (HIP's really worked for us). Anyway, we have found another house and it looks like this one should complete next month. A very different type of project and I'll start posting again when we get started.

Just thought I'd comment on the HER we have just received from the vendors solicitors. I've stopped laughing and picked myself up off the floor. Here is the relevant extract from the letter back to our solicitors.

" ..... With regard the HER, there is nothing here which is of any concern or to be honest of any real interest. I am afraid I am very sceptical as to the validity of the information contained in these reports. It is clear from reading this HER that very little effort actually went into data collection to ensure calculations were accurate or even realistic. Indeed one recommendation made is potentially detrimental to the long term ‘health’ of the property. How can a ‘professional assessor’ calculate heat loss without even being aware of whether there is insulation in the loft space, let alone whether the property has underfloor heating or radiators? Did the assessor actually visit the house? There is no comment as to the actual presence of, type and depth of any insulation in situ, each of which will have different properties. There are many omissions and everything is based on assumption, rather than observation and investigation and is could almost have been written without leaving the office. It is nothing but a badly modified pro forma. The lack of information is quite appalling. Please excuse the rant, it serves no purpose. But with a qualified Energy Assessor and a qualified Building Surveyor in the immediate family and with 18 years experience in property development behind me I find it concerning that the general public are being asked to rely on these ‘expert comments’. Most lay people would accept these recommendations in good faith and be none the wiser.....".

To those of you in the industry who are doing a thorough job and are now seething having read this - it is not directed at you.

I am aware of the economics of the industry, but if these reports are to be compiled and promoted to help energy efficiency they should be done property or not at all. The cowboys who are: a) printing off some generic energy calculation, b) using a pro forma without adapting it to the house in question, c) printing out a menu of suggested improvements without any thought as to what is suitable, realistic or practical for the property in question and d) don't even properly survey the property to acertain the information which should be in the report - they should be drummed out of the industry.

Just thought I would share my latest depressing HIPS experience with you - sorry about that. Still, with any luck this purchase will go though and I can get on with extending our new home.

Cheers

Jeff]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14794#Comment_14794 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14794#Comment_14794 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:19:50 +0000 Chris Wardle
From October this year landlords have to get these these reports. I'm going to have to fork out for 12 of them. I suspect I will know more about energy efficiency (not least from frequenting this forum) than the person who will be conducting the inspection.

Why can't HMG put the training information online so I can self study it then pay a small fee to take the exams myself? It seems to me that the only people who have really benefitted from this scheme are the training providers.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14802#Comment_14802 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14802#Comment_14802 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:35:41 +0000 ted https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14815#Comment_14815 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1282&Focus=14815#Comment_14815 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:29:20 +0000 Joinerbird