Vantage News During 2007

Save Money By Replacing Your Windows & Doors
September 2007

SPALDING, LINCOLNSHIRE based VANTAGE - FREE ADVICE given in respect of improving the energy efficiency of your property by replacing your WINDOWS and DOORS to uPVC.

Installing double glazing can cut heat loss through draughty wooden WINDOWS by half. If you can't afford to replace all the WINDOWS, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat?

Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation.

Double glazing cuts heat lost through windows by half. You can save from £80 to £100 per year on your heating bills. On an environmental issue - double glazing can also save a household about three quarters of a tonne of CO2 a year.

Vantage Viewpoint - Home Information Packs
September 2007

From now on, properties sold with three or more bedrooms will need a Home Information Pack and an Energy Performance Certificate. With one in four property transactions breaking down before contracts are exchanged, often due to information coming to light after a formal offer has been made, Home Information Packs are designed to reduce the stress of both buying and selling by containing all essential information about the property you are considering buying upfront.

Home Information Packs (HIPS) are required for the sale of three, four bedroom and larger properties. Smaller properties will be phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified.

What’s included in a Home Information Pack?

The Home Information Pack (HIP) will include the Home Information Pack Index; Sales Statement, Standard Searches (Local Authority Enquiries, Drainage and Water Searches); Evidence of Title and also an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that will rate the energy efficiency of the property. Additional information for Leasehold and Freehold sales, where applicable will also be included. It will also contain recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the home and how to reduce energy bills.

The Home Information (HIP) and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will give Buyers energy ratings for homes rated from A to G on a similar basis to ratings for fridges helping to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions. The certificates are commissioned by the Seller (or their Estate Agent) from an accredited Energy Assessor. The Energy Assessor will visit the property to collect the relevant data and will produce a certificate based on the findings. This data will include the date, construction and location of the house and relevant fittings – for example heating systems, insulation or double glazing.

What’s in it for Sellers – the Home Information Pack – produced at the time of the property going on the market - should reduce the likelihood of any unforeseen revelations during the selling process that could delay the sale. From the outset, buyers will be able to make more informed decisions in respect of the property that’s for sale.

What’s in it for Buyers - the Home Information Pack provides essential information in respect of properties they are considering buying.

How Much Does it Cost?

For Sellers: Many major estate agent chains are offering Home Information Packs (HIPs) as part of their normal fee structure. Others are charging in the region of £300 to £350 plus VAT on an upfront or deferred basis.For Buyers: Free of charge

WHERE DOES VANTAGE STEP IN TO HELP?

Prior to putting your property on the market would be the ideal time to consider improving the energy efficiency of your property by replacing your windows and doors to uPVC.

Installing double glazing can cut heat loss through windows by half. If you can't afford to replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat?

Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation.

The savings that can be made

Double glazing cuts heat lost through windows by half. You can save from £80 to £100 per year on your heating bills. Double glazing can also save a household about three quarters of a tonne of CO2 a year.

For FREE expert advice and FREE design service, please contact us on 01775 670111 or why not in this high tech world send us an email - rodney@vantagewindows.com