Window companies – finding a local window company.
You wouldn't think so but sometimes finding a local window company (or companies) to call round and give you a quote for your double glazing can prove a bit tricky.
Especially so when a local window fitting company is really a regional office for a larger concern.
So why go to the trouble of getting a quote from a local company in the first place? Well, for a start, very often a local company will have prior knowledge of particular planning issues that may affect the work you want doing. They may have come across these when carrying out another local installation.
Secondly, they should be better placed to provide local examples of previous double glazing installations they've carried out. It may be possible to check with the homeowners if they were satisfied with the finished job first hand.
WindowQuoter can help you get up to 3 written quotations from local double glazing companies.
Our free service lets you enter your own measurements online and get an instant price guide there and then. We can then conduct a search using our vast database of over 3000 companies across the UK to find you up to three local quotations. Written and valid for 6 months.
Click here to get your instant online local window company quote now.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Double glazing - why summer is the perfect time to get a double glazing quote
Double glazing – Summer is the perfect time to get a double glazing quote
A double glazing quote? In the Summer? (when the sun is normally shining and drafty windows are preferred).
Well actually yes! Summer is the perfect time to get a double glazing or if you prefer replacement window quote, for your home.
There are a number of reasons for enquiring now about double glazing. Firstly, because double glazing companies are traditionally quieter during the summer, they usually have some really good deals on double glazed windows, doors and conservatories.
Secondly, having double glazing installed in the summer means (hopefully) that the weather will be drier, so whilst the double glazing installation team are removing your old windows and doors, although they work extremely quickly, there's less chance of bad weather blowing into your house or affecting your double glazing installation date.
Not to mention how cold it can be when there's just a blank hole in the brickwork where a window or door used to be.
If your thinking of having a conservatory added to your home, then again the same reasons apply, but also consider (if the weather is warm and sunny) that because conservatory installation usually involves a lot of groundwork – preparing footings for walls and flooring etc, then this job will be less messy in the warm weather and should be able to proceed quicker.
Of course, just because you're thinking about getting double glazing installed – a rotten window replaced or leaky front door, the conservatory you've always dreamed of so you can at least pretend to be outside enjoying your garden or a upvc porch to keep all those wet shoes and wellies in – doesn't mean you have to start shopping around and endure evenings besieged by sharp salesmen.
Window Quoter was designed to give you an instant online quote for all your double glazing requirements. You login, choose your style of opener and enter your own measurements and get an instant online double glazing quote without the need for a salesman to call.
It works for all windows – from non-openers to bay windows, all types of doors and even conservatories. (treat a porch quote as a conservatory quote and just enter the correct measurements).
If you prefer, you can talk to one of our customer advisers and we can arrange for up to a maximum of three local double glazing companies to you, to visit and leave a no-obligation written quotation that's valid for 6 months.
Click on windowquoter and see just how easy it is to get an instant online quote for double glazing now. We're market leaders in providing instant online quotes for homeowners and were the first company to offer instant online quotes for double glazing. Since then we've expanded our network to include everything from fitted kitchens and fitted bedrooms to paving & driveways, fascia & roofline to patio and window awnings.
Click here to visit home improvement quotes and get instant online quotes for any of the services listed above plus loads more services.
You can also read more about our Deposit Protection scheme which is also completely FREE to homeowners who use one of our recommended companies.
A double glazing quote? In the Summer? (when the sun is normally shining and drafty windows are preferred).
Well actually yes! Summer is the perfect time to get a double glazing or if you prefer replacement window quote, for your home.
There are a number of reasons for enquiring now about double glazing. Firstly, because double glazing companies are traditionally quieter during the summer, they usually have some really good deals on double glazed windows, doors and conservatories.
Secondly, having double glazing installed in the summer means (hopefully) that the weather will be drier, so whilst the double glazing installation team are removing your old windows and doors, although they work extremely quickly, there's less chance of bad weather blowing into your house or affecting your double glazing installation date.
Not to mention how cold it can be when there's just a blank hole in the brickwork where a window or door used to be.
If your thinking of having a conservatory added to your home, then again the same reasons apply, but also consider (if the weather is warm and sunny) that because conservatory installation usually involves a lot of groundwork – preparing footings for walls and flooring etc, then this job will be less messy in the warm weather and should be able to proceed quicker.
Of course, just because you're thinking about getting double glazing installed – a rotten window replaced or leaky front door, the conservatory you've always dreamed of so you can at least pretend to be outside enjoying your garden or a upvc porch to keep all those wet shoes and wellies in – doesn't mean you have to start shopping around and endure evenings besieged by sharp salesmen.
Window Quoter was designed to give you an instant online quote for all your double glazing requirements. You login, choose your style of opener and enter your own measurements and get an instant online double glazing quote without the need for a salesman to call.
It works for all windows – from non-openers to bay windows, all types of doors and even conservatories. (treat a porch quote as a conservatory quote and just enter the correct measurements).
If you prefer, you can talk to one of our customer advisers and we can arrange for up to a maximum of three local double glazing companies to you, to visit and leave a no-obligation written quotation that's valid for 6 months.
Click on windowquoter and see just how easy it is to get an instant online quote for double glazing now. We're market leaders in providing instant online quotes for homeowners and were the first company to offer instant online quotes for double glazing. Since then we've expanded our network to include everything from fitted kitchens and fitted bedrooms to paving & driveways, fascia & roofline to patio and window awnings.
Click here to visit home improvement quotes and get instant online quotes for any of the services listed above plus loads more services.
You can also read more about our Deposit Protection scheme which is also completely FREE to homeowners who use one of our recommended companies.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
I want a fitted kitchen just like David Beckham
I want a quote for a fitted kitchen like David Beckham
The other night, yours truly had sneaked out for a quick pint down the local (no not David Beckham's). Conversation went through the usual weather and cricket topics before arriving at David Beckham's move to America where he'll be playing for LA Galaxy.
After the glittering Hollywood reception he and Posh received, and the efforts LA Galaxy are going to so that David can return to play for England, etc we wished him well and raised a glass to his and Victoria's good health..
Conversation then turned to a neighbour's fitted kitchen nightmare. He'd started out by doing the job himself but after struggling with missing bits, two to many bits and un-cooperative plumbing, he'd been forced to call in a professional kitchen company.
“Talk about Kitchen Nightmares he said, Gordon Ramsey would have a few choice words to describe the scene in my kitchen”.
The trouble is, when we read the glossy magazines – stars in their homes etc and the Beckham's have done a few of those, then it's only natural that everyday folk like you and my flat packed kitchen challenged friend want a fitted kitchen just like it.
Glossy marble worktops, kitchen appliance laden islands and more display cabinets, mood lighting and stainless steel than you can shake a kitchen spatula at. Kitchen flooring – gone are the days of linoleum, now its the latest Italian marble or tiles with underfloor heating and designer radiators.
Thankfully, you don't have to be David Beckham to get an instant online quote for the fitted kitchen of your dreams (although he's certainly welcome to use our service). We offer instant online quotes for fitted kitchens.
You type in your own room dimensions and the total length of wall cupboards and floor units, add extras like appliances etc and get an instant online price.
So now you can see just how much it will cost to get a kitchen just like the Beckhams, although we can't promise any major American soccer deals with LA Galaxy, we can promise an instant online quote.
Click here to visit Kitchenquoter now.
Now I wonder where I can get fascia and guttering like David Beckham's????? (visit fasciaquoter by clicking here)
The other night, yours truly had sneaked out for a quick pint down the local (no not David Beckham's). Conversation went through the usual weather and cricket topics before arriving at David Beckham's move to America where he'll be playing for LA Galaxy.
After the glittering Hollywood reception he and Posh received, and the efforts LA Galaxy are going to so that David can return to play for England, etc we wished him well and raised a glass to his and Victoria's good health..
Conversation then turned to a neighbour's fitted kitchen nightmare. He'd started out by doing the job himself but after struggling with missing bits, two to many bits and un-cooperative plumbing, he'd been forced to call in a professional kitchen company.
“Talk about Kitchen Nightmares he said, Gordon Ramsey would have a few choice words to describe the scene in my kitchen”.
The trouble is, when we read the glossy magazines – stars in their homes etc and the Beckham's have done a few of those, then it's only natural that everyday folk like you and my flat packed kitchen challenged friend want a fitted kitchen just like it.
Glossy marble worktops, kitchen appliance laden islands and more display cabinets, mood lighting and stainless steel than you can shake a kitchen spatula at. Kitchen flooring – gone are the days of linoleum, now its the latest Italian marble or tiles with underfloor heating and designer radiators.
Thankfully, you don't have to be David Beckham to get an instant online quote for the fitted kitchen of your dreams (although he's certainly welcome to use our service). We offer instant online quotes for fitted kitchens.
You type in your own room dimensions and the total length of wall cupboards and floor units, add extras like appliances etc and get an instant online price.
So now you can see just how much it will cost to get a kitchen just like the Beckhams, although we can't promise any major American soccer deals with LA Galaxy, we can promise an instant online quote.
Click here to visit Kitchenquoter now.
Now I wonder where I can get fascia and guttering like David Beckham's????? (visit fasciaquoter by clicking here)
Impressed concrete driveways - why choose impressed concrete over block paving
Impressed concrete driveways – why choose impressed concrete over block paving
When you're considering getting your driveway, path or patio re-surfaced, many think of block paving – intricate designs of small blocks from cobblestone replica's to smoother natural stones in a variety of shades and textures.
However, before you go ahead, have you considered impresses concrete? Impressed concrete is a uniform layer of concrete laid over the area to be 'paved'. This concrete is then imprinted using a variety of different mould's to re-create the same patterns as found in traditional block paving.
After the pattern has been impressed, a coloured powder is added and smoothed in to give the finished colour.
One of the advantages of impressed concrete over block paving is its ability to take in awkward areas and slopes without the need for intricate cutting and steps, however, it should be noted that usually if a step is required for general foot traffic, then a step should still be considered.
You can still specify different colours – one for the edging, one for the middle etc and recognised companies will pay the same attention to the groundwork preparation as they would for block paving.
Costs are not to dissimilar and impressed concrete, like its block paving counterpart can be laid usually throughout the year with only the frostiest of nights slowing down installation.
So, before making your mind up, why not explore the possibility of Impressed Concrete? You can get a free, instant online quote for both at PavingQuoter.co.uk.
When you're considering getting your driveway, path or patio re-surfaced, many think of block paving – intricate designs of small blocks from cobblestone replica's to smoother natural stones in a variety of shades and textures.
However, before you go ahead, have you considered impresses concrete? Impressed concrete is a uniform layer of concrete laid over the area to be 'paved'. This concrete is then imprinted using a variety of different mould's to re-create the same patterns as found in traditional block paving.
After the pattern has been impressed, a coloured powder is added and smoothed in to give the finished colour.
One of the advantages of impressed concrete over block paving is its ability to take in awkward areas and slopes without the need for intricate cutting and steps, however, it should be noted that usually if a step is required for general foot traffic, then a step should still be considered.
You can still specify different colours – one for the edging, one for the middle etc and recognised companies will pay the same attention to the groundwork preparation as they would for block paving.
Costs are not to dissimilar and impressed concrete, like its block paving counterpart can be laid usually throughout the year with only the frostiest of nights slowing down installation.
So, before making your mind up, why not explore the possibility of Impressed Concrete? You can get a free, instant online quote for both at PavingQuoter.co.uk.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Harry Potter and the Triangle of Relevancy - Part 2
Harry Potter and the Triangle of Relevancy – part 2
O.K so we had a little fun with a recent email alert whose subject line was 'Triangle of Relevancy', over on another Blog, but the truth is actually quite helpful, especially if you're running a adwords campaign (also known as pay-per-click).
If you type Triangle of Relevancy into Google, you get a whole host of different article links (who knows, maybe this will become one of them?) and whilst I can't claim to have read them all – a bit like the Harry Potter books (i'm still waiting for my birthday to get 'The Deathly Hallows')...
...You see how seemlessly I just integrated the subject of my last post with this update – actually I was dared to include Harry Potter in this article and for it still to make sense!...
...whilst I can't claim to have read them all... what does become quickly apparent is that this is another of those common sense approaches to SEO that Google just loves and if Google loves it, then it's good enough for me.
“The “Triangle of Relevancy” is used to describe the relationship between the text in a landing page, a sponsored advertisement and the keyword or phrase that’s entered into a search engine. Google places a premium on relevancy as it endeavors to ensure visitors have a positive experience by getting search results relevant to their search terms”
Well said – I couldn't have put it better myself.
Basically, what authors (authors not auror's) are getting at is that if you have an advert promoting chopping boards, then be specific. Include chopping boards in your PPC advert and let that advert link to the chopping board page.
If you haven't an advert running, the optimise your Chopping Board page's Title and Description tags. Don't forget to update your sitemap.htm and Google Site Map.
You'll score highly with Google for being relevant and hopefully you should score highly with your visitors as you're presenting them with the very thing they searched for in the first place.
Surely there's a catch? I hear you ask. Well just like a good game of Quidditch can turn just on the capture of a snitch, so can your relevancy scoring. Not quite as dramatic but noticed all the same is the amount of time visitors spend on your site once they follow the link.
Google (reportedly) also takes this figure into consideration and will use it to determine the best search returns on subsequent searches.
Other suggestions from those more learned than I include using sub-domains e.g www.chopping_board.domain.co.uk as another way of increasing relevancy for that old triangle model.
Certainly, I've had some success with sub folders e.g www.domain.co.uk/chopping_board as part of the link relevancy but I think you must use caution here. If you use this sub domain route, it could get confusing with duplicate content issues or is you use the sub-folder to then do a re-direct to your main site, that will also cost you house points.
In conclusion then,
“The "Triangle of Relevancy” is the most important aspect of a successful search engine marketing strategy. Google is very careful to ensure their visitors have a positive experience with their search engine so they reward the more relevant advertisers with a higher position in the search results and their AdWords ad placing. Both the landing pages and the AdWords ads should focus on specific keywords or phrases for maximum relevancy.”
Well said!
Anyone for a butterscotch beer?
To read Triangle of Relevancy Part 1 – head over to this blog – click here.
O.K so we had a little fun with a recent email alert whose subject line was 'Triangle of Relevancy', over on another Blog, but the truth is actually quite helpful, especially if you're running a adwords campaign (also known as pay-per-click).
If you type Triangle of Relevancy into Google, you get a whole host of different article links (who knows, maybe this will become one of them?) and whilst I can't claim to have read them all – a bit like the Harry Potter books (i'm still waiting for my birthday to get 'The Deathly Hallows')...
...You see how seemlessly I just integrated the subject of my last post with this update – actually I was dared to include Harry Potter in this article and for it still to make sense!...
...whilst I can't claim to have read them all... what does become quickly apparent is that this is another of those common sense approaches to SEO that Google just loves and if Google loves it, then it's good enough for me.
“The “Triangle of Relevancy” is used to describe the relationship between the text in a landing page, a sponsored advertisement and the keyword or phrase that’s entered into a search engine. Google places a premium on relevancy as it endeavors to ensure visitors have a positive experience by getting search results relevant to their search terms”
Well said – I couldn't have put it better myself.
Basically, what authors (authors not auror's) are getting at is that if you have an advert promoting chopping boards, then be specific. Include chopping boards in your PPC advert and let that advert link to the chopping board page.
If you haven't an advert running, the optimise your Chopping Board page's Title and Description tags. Don't forget to update your sitemap.htm and Google Site Map.
You'll score highly with Google for being relevant and hopefully you should score highly with your visitors as you're presenting them with the very thing they searched for in the first place.
Surely there's a catch? I hear you ask. Well just like a good game of Quidditch can turn just on the capture of a snitch, so can your relevancy scoring. Not quite as dramatic but noticed all the same is the amount of time visitors spend on your site once they follow the link.
Google (reportedly) also takes this figure into consideration and will use it to determine the best search returns on subsequent searches.
Other suggestions from those more learned than I include using sub-domains e.g www.chopping_board.domain.co.uk as another way of increasing relevancy for that old triangle model.
Certainly, I've had some success with sub folders e.g www.domain.co.uk/chopping_board as part of the link relevancy but I think you must use caution here. If you use this sub domain route, it could get confusing with duplicate content issues or is you use the sub-folder to then do a re-direct to your main site, that will also cost you house points.
In conclusion then,
“The "Triangle of Relevancy” is the most important aspect of a successful search engine marketing strategy. Google is very careful to ensure their visitors have a positive experience with their search engine so they reward the more relevant advertisers with a higher position in the search results and their AdWords ad placing. Both the landing pages and the AdWords ads should focus on specific keywords or phrases for maximum relevancy.”
Well said!
Anyone for a butterscotch beer?
To read Triangle of Relevancy Part 1 – head over to this blog – click here.
Harry Potter sells 15 million copies
Harry Potter sells 15 million copies...
It's numbers to make your head spin – with reports that the new Harry Potter book sold over 15 million copies over the weekend – whilst others quote claims that one in 4 (or was that 14) households in the UK had a copy delivered and WH Smith claiming they were selling 15 copies every second on Friday evening.
Its when you read statistics of such magnitude that whether you're a fan or not, you can't help but be impressed by.
Several colleagues in the Price Engines office got their copies over the weekend and had stayed up all night to finish the last instalment in the novel's series.
All agreed it was an excellent read and without giving too much away, one colleague summarised it by saying it was apparent that JK Rowling had intended the book to finish 2 chapters earlier. He felt that the extra two chapters were added to allow the film franchise to possibly continue.
Of course yours truly is hoping to get a copy for his birthday later this week so colleagues are keeping pretty tight-lipped about who dies etc.
Price Engines, an online quoting system for Muggles is able to boast some pretty wizard statistics itself.
For example, Home Improvement Quotes provides home-owners with free, impartial advice on home improvement projects, as well as a nationwide directory of recommended companies – from local tradesmen to national organisations.
We deliver instant quotes to over 3,000 people every week through our ‘Quoter’ web sites which include Window Quoter, Paving Quoter and Kitchen Quoter.
Since its formation in 2000, Home Improvement Quotes has provided over 1,700,000 quotes for projects totalling £1.4 billion. The service was developed by Price Engines, the leading UK provider of targeted, qualified intelligence in the home improvements industries.
For more information, please visit www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
It's numbers to make your head spin – with reports that the new Harry Potter book sold over 15 million copies over the weekend – whilst others quote claims that one in 4 (or was that 14) households in the UK had a copy delivered and WH Smith claiming they were selling 15 copies every second on Friday evening.
Its when you read statistics of such magnitude that whether you're a fan or not, you can't help but be impressed by.
Several colleagues in the Price Engines office got their copies over the weekend and had stayed up all night to finish the last instalment in the novel's series.
All agreed it was an excellent read and without giving too much away, one colleague summarised it by saying it was apparent that JK Rowling had intended the book to finish 2 chapters earlier. He felt that the extra two chapters were added to allow the film franchise to possibly continue.
Of course yours truly is hoping to get a copy for his birthday later this week so colleagues are keeping pretty tight-lipped about who dies etc.
Price Engines, an online quoting system for Muggles is able to boast some pretty wizard statistics itself.
For example, Home Improvement Quotes provides home-owners with free, impartial advice on home improvement projects, as well as a nationwide directory of recommended companies – from local tradesmen to national organisations.
We deliver instant quotes to over 3,000 people every week through our ‘Quoter’ web sites which include Window Quoter, Paving Quoter and Kitchen Quoter.
Since its formation in 2000, Home Improvement Quotes has provided over 1,700,000 quotes for projects totalling £1.4 billion. The service was developed by Price Engines, the leading UK provider of targeted, qualified intelligence in the home improvements industries.
For more information, please visit www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Thursday, 19 July 2007
instant online quotes a winner
Did you know that when you visit any of the 'Quoter family of websites for your instant online quote for double glazing, fitted kitchens, block paving, fascia etc, as part of our free online service, we also now offer a free customer information area.
After getting your instant online quote, our experienced staff will call you back and after confirming the details you entered, offer you the chance to get up to 3 local independent written quotations from approved companies specialising in your requirements.
If you accept our free offer of firm quotations (they're valid for 6 months and completely without obligation), then you'll receive an email from us giving you access to your very own login areas where you can view contact details of the (up to 3) local companies we've recommended and leave feedback on your experiences with that company - from their initial contact, the appointment right up to if they carry out work for you.
If you do decide to accept one of the quotations, then you can re-visit your login area and download your own Deposit Protection Certificate (as well as continuing to leave feedback.
This feedback is emailed back to the companies concerned as well as our own quality control department so if a company fails to live up to your expectations, then we want to hear about it. We'd also like to hear when they do live up to your expectations too.
Here's some recent feedback from customers who used the online quote system:
"Very pleasant man came to visit Saturday even though i kept him waiting 20 minutes. Very honest about prices and didnt feel like I was being ripped off."
K B - Peterborough - 5 stars awarded.
"Prompt appointment made, they do evening and weekend visits. Polite knowledgeable salesman."
M D - London - 4 stars awarded
"I was very satisfied with Advanced Roofline Systems, I found their personel courteous, polite and very helpful, infact i was very impressed with the whole setup, from you sorting out a company for me, to the finished job, thank you very much. With kind regards L H"
L H - Clwyd - 5 stars awarded
"Prepared to supply product as we wanted it, and not try to inflict a modern design on a period house. offered a good price for a quick decision, so we decided to go for it."
M Q - Altrincham - 4 stars awarded
"Excellent service - speedy response. No hard sell, plenty of useful information. We were very impressed and will be visiting their showroom"
V D - Warwickshire - 5 stars awarded
"Responded to my email within a few hours and visited us and prepared a quotation within 3 days. Excellant service"
J H - Shropshire - 5 stars awarded
After getting your instant online quote, our experienced staff will call you back and after confirming the details you entered, offer you the chance to get up to 3 local independent written quotations from approved companies specialising in your requirements.
If you accept our free offer of firm quotations (they're valid for 6 months and completely without obligation), then you'll receive an email from us giving you access to your very own login areas where you can view contact details of the (up to 3) local companies we've recommended and leave feedback on your experiences with that company - from their initial contact, the appointment right up to if they carry out work for you.
If you do decide to accept one of the quotations, then you can re-visit your login area and download your own Deposit Protection Certificate (as well as continuing to leave feedback.
This feedback is emailed back to the companies concerned as well as our own quality control department so if a company fails to live up to your expectations, then we want to hear about it. We'd also like to hear when they do live up to your expectations too.
Here's some recent feedback from customers who used the online quote system:
"Very pleasant man came to visit Saturday even though i kept him waiting 20 minutes. Very honest about prices and didnt feel like I was being ripped off."
K B - Peterborough - 5 stars awarded.
"Prompt appointment made, they do evening and weekend visits. Polite knowledgeable salesman."
M D - London - 4 stars awarded
"I was very satisfied with Advanced Roofline Systems, I found their personel courteous, polite and very helpful, infact i was very impressed with the whole setup, from you sorting out a company for me, to the finished job, thank you very much. With kind regards L H"
L H - Clwyd - 5 stars awarded
"Prepared to supply product as we wanted it, and not try to inflict a modern design on a period house. offered a good price for a quick decision, so we decided to go for it."
M Q - Altrincham - 4 stars awarded
"Excellent service - speedy response. No hard sell, plenty of useful information. We were very impressed and will be visiting their showroom"
V D - Warwickshire - 5 stars awarded
"Responded to my email within a few hours and visited us and prepared a quotation within 3 days. Excellant service"
J H - Shropshire - 5 stars awarded
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Satisfaction guaranteed
Price engines was established in the year 2000. Since then, it has made rapid growth, and is currently selling between 1500 and 2000 leads per week, sometimes much more! Our company strives to find you the best deal possible and will always help you in a polite and impressive way.Our range of quoter websites allow you to type in the details of your required home improvement and will then give you the cheapest quote possible. Then, with your consent, we can send your details to the cheapest and closest companies to you. Our services are quick, professional and confidential. Our aim is simply to save you money by finding the best deal possible to suit your needs. Our company is unique and superior to other companies because:
We have no pushy salesmen
It puts you in control
Your deposit is protected, even if the company chosen ceases to trade!
Many customers are impressed by the fast and professional services provided by the company, and this is what one satisfied customer said:
“I was very satisfied with Advanced Roofline Systems. I found their personnel courteous, polite and very helpful. In fact, I was very impressed with the whole set-up, from you sorting out a company for me, to the finished job. Thank you very much.” The customer also said that she rated our company “5 star”.
This is not an isolated case! Someone from practically every street in the UK has visited one of Price Engines' quoter websites, and most people echo the thoughts of the customer quoted above. They have all found that Price Engines helped them quickly and effectively, to find a suitable company and to save a lot of money. If you need some sort of home improvement and want to experience the same breathtaking service, visit our website now to see if our company can provide for it and give you a free online quote. Just visit www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk and you won't be disappointed!
By Jon McGovern
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Double-glazing could save the planet!
Written by Jim McGovernMany people dream of saving the world, but few realise that anyone can have a part in literally saving the entire planet simply by having double-glazing in their houses! How is this possible?
Well, fossil fuel consumption increases every year, and even the most optimistic estimate says that our oil will be completely diminished within 45 years, and that our gas will quickly follow at 72 years. Conservation of energy is one of the best solutions.
But most of us probably won't still be alive then, so why does it involve us? To start with, we should care about the billions of people who will have to deal with these problems. We need to save resources for future generations, as it would be selfish for us to greedily use up all of the Earth's resources.
Burning less fossil fuels will also mean less pollution in the atmosphere. It is unquestionable that the fuels that we use are destroying the earth, so we need to stop being so dependant on them while we still can, by conserving as much energy as possible.
As well as helping to save the world for your descendants, it could save you more than £1000 per year in electricity and heating bills! So how can you conserve electricity in your home? To start off with, you can save power by not leaving electrical items on standby, such as your TVs or Computers. You should also switch the lights off in rooms that you are not using.
A great way to conserve heat is double-glazing, which prevents heat from escaping through the windows. Hot air is less dense than cold air, so it escapes through the window when the air is colder outside. Heating systems have a thermostat, which measures the temperature in the air, making the heater hotter or colder depending on the target temperature. When you haven't got double-glazing, the heating system uses up more and more money in a vain attempt to bring the room to the right heat level, but most of its efforts just get sucked straight out of the window.
Double-glazing prevents unwanted heat loss, and your bills will be greatly reduced thanks to the heat conservation.
So why not get a free double-glazing quote right now? Just head over to www.windowquoter.co.uk and fill out some basic details. It only takes a few minutes, and it eliminates the need for you to deal with the dreaded door-to-door salesmen!
Or if you prefer to speak to someone in person, call 0845 300 2333 and speak to one of our customer advisers for your free, no-obligation quote that is valid for up to six months!
By getting double glazing, you will not only save yourself so much money, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to save planet Earth!
Friday, 6 July 2007
SEO article - not every link is a good link
Hi
We recently received a request from a Finnish company involved in the fishing industry, asking us to take part in a reciprocol link exchange.
For those of you not in the know, a link exchange is when two websites or blogs exchange a link to each others website or blog. The idea being that search engines recognise these links and give you a better listing position.
The reality is that that's how it used to be. These days, you need more than a few abstract links. For a start, any links should be topic related (not too many big fish stories here!) and if you both link to each other, whilst your link may bring you to the attention od search engines, it won't give you much advantage.
One way links from topic related sites are much more important because then that link establishes you as the authority on the subject.
Sorry chaps!
If you'd like to read more about the perils of linking, then read this article, bizarely enough involving a Halibut lodge in Canada. You can't say we're not well travelled.
We recently received a request from a Finnish company involved in the fishing industry, asking us to take part in a reciprocol link exchange.
For those of you not in the know, a link exchange is when two websites or blogs exchange a link to each others website or blog. The idea being that search engines recognise these links and give you a better listing position.
The reality is that that's how it used to be. These days, you need more than a few abstract links. For a start, any links should be topic related (not too many big fish stories here!) and if you both link to each other, whilst your link may bring you to the attention od search engines, it won't give you much advantage.
One way links from topic related sites are much more important because then that link establishes you as the authority on the subject.
Sorry chaps!
If you'd like to read more about the perils of linking, then read this article, bizarely enough involving a Halibut lodge in Canada. You can't say we're not well travelled.
Gutted by your guttering? - a handy guide.
Gutted by the performance of your guttering?
Even the most optimistic Brit' would have to admit that the weather's been a little on the damp side these past few weeks.
If you've been affected by flooding, then our thoughts are with you.
It's also been a severe test on the guttering and fascia of your property.
For those unfamiliar with such terms as fascia (or roofline as the industry refers to it), then allow us to enlighten you further.
Roofline refers to the wood or plastic boarding around your home between the roof and the walls. Usually, this is where guttering is fixed, but not all roof sides have guttering (gable ends). Guttering is also included in the term Roofline.
Traditionally, roofline was wooden and I'm sure you've all suffered or witnessed flaking and rotting timbers around the roofs of properties. Left untreated, you eventually get leaks and bad weather will force its way through.
Very often, the rot goes beyond the visible timbers and affects those that hold flashing in place. This is when water is most likely to leak through and into the inside of the house.
Re-painting wooden roofline is a yearly chore and not a very pleasant one either. Balancing off a wobbly ladder with paintbrush in hand (if the weather allows you) – it's not much fun and it's then that the thought of not having to do it again next year is usually most appealing.
Upvc roofline has become the modern material of choice. Like its window counterpart, it doesn't need re-painting, is extremely low maintenance and doesn't rot.
My parents were quite surprised when they recently had a roofing quote to correct a leak problem caused by ill-fitting flashing. The cost was high due to new safety rules which meant the work could no longer be carried out atop a ladder, but would require scaffolding.
Upvc Roofline doesn't just come in white. You can very often specify dark or light woodgrain effects as well. To complement the colour of upvc windows or doors etc.
To help identify the individual parts that make up roofline, here's a quick guide:
Guttering – this one is pretty obvious – its the half pipe and whole downpipes that collect rain water from the roof edges and take it to drainage on the ground. This also includes the clips that the guttering fixes to the roofline with.
Now available in square as well as round pipe.
Fascia – this is the boarding that guttering normally fixes to. Its usually straight lengths.
Bargeboards – these are the fascia boards that follow gable end rooflines. They are usually cut to form a neat join at the apex of the roof (eaves end) and the gable end (where bargeboard meets fascia).
Soffits – this is the boarding that runs right angle to the wall surface, facing downwards. Its very often ventilated with mesh covered slots to allow roof space to breathe.
Cladding - this is the 'overlapping planking' you see on some properties either in gable ends, or on walls. Again traditionally wooden, wooden cladding can soon need re-painting, is prone to rotting and letting damp affect interior walls. This is also available in insulated upvc cladding in a tongue and groove / overlapping style.
When having roofline replaced, if its replacing wooden roofline, then its important to check the felt underneath. This is usually the point at which felt deteriorates.
Home Improvement Quotes has a dedicated website where you can get an instant online quote for your property – Just type in your measurements, specify gable or straight runs, if you require guttering (it usually make sense to have the lot done at the same time) and if you require the old roofline removing.
Go to www.fasciaquoter.co.uk and try it now. Its completely free and only takes a few minutes to give you a price quote there and then without the need for a salesman to call!
Or if you prefer, call our customer advisers on 0845 300 2333 and arrange for up to 3 of our recommended and approved fascia installers local to you to come and leave you a no-obligation free quotation that's valid for 6 months.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Last months poll results - Solar Panels
Last month we asked over 200,000 customers if they would consider fitting Solar Panels to their homes, here's the results:
2% said Never
14% said I doubt it
49% said They might consider it in the future
31% said They were considering getting them installed
4% said They already had them installed
That's a whopping 80% of them considering installing Solar Panels.
2% said Never
14% said I doubt it
49% said They might consider it in the future
31% said They were considering getting them installed
4% said They already had them installed
That's a whopping 80% of them considering installing Solar Panels.
About Home Improvement Quotes
About Home Improvement Quotes:
Home Improvement Quotes provides home-owners with free, impartial advice on home improvement projects, as well as a nationwide directory of recommended companies – from local tradesmen to national organisations.
We deliver instant quotes to over 3,000 people every week through our ‘Quoter’ web sites which include Window Quoter, Paving Quoter and Kitchen Quoter.
Since its formation in 2000, Home Improvement Quotes has provided over 1,700,000 quotes for projects totalling £1.4 billion. The service was developed by Price Engines, the leading UK provider of targeted, qualified intelligence in the home improvements industries.
For more information, please visit www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Home Improvement Quotes provides home-owners with free, impartial advice on home improvement projects, as well as a nationwide directory of recommended companies – from local tradesmen to national organisations.
We deliver instant quotes to over 3,000 people every week through our ‘Quoter’ web sites which include Window Quoter, Paving Quoter and Kitchen Quoter.
Since its formation in 2000, Home Improvement Quotes has provided over 1,700,000 quotes for projects totalling £1.4 billion. The service was developed by Price Engines, the leading UK provider of targeted, qualified intelligence in the home improvements industries.
For more information, please visit www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Loft Conversion - 5 essential steps
Timeline: Getting a loft conversion
A loft conversion will add a huge amount of extra value onto your property by creating an entire new storey onto it. However, loft conversions are large-scale jobs that require lots of approval from the authorities so it’s crucial to plan the project thoroughly. Here’s five essential steps to guide you through the process smoothly:
Stage 1 – Contact a specialist loft conversion company
Once you’ve decided what the new room is going to be, the first thing you need to do is choose who you want to do the work for you. There are many companies out there who specialise in loft conversions, and will subcontract any additional tradesman that are required for the job – plumbers, carpenters, decorators – on your behalf. A loft conversion isn’t cheap so think carefully before you part with your cash, and make sure you get quotes from at least three different companies.
Stage 2 – Design
Next, you need to go through precisely what you want done. This will be a lengthy process, and it’s normal that many of the ideas you originally had will have to be altered or scrapped altogether because of limitations to what can be achieved. An architect will be required to formally design the room, as well as the staircase from the floor below. Things to consider at this stage are whether you intend to have central heating, windows, plumbing points, or a water tank installed.
Stage 3 – Be aware of the regulations you require
There are a pretty large number of regulations that loft conversions need to adhere to. You will definitely require building regulation approval from your local authorities and, depending on the size of the new room and your proximity to major roads, planning permission will probably be needed too. You will also need to show that the structural integrity of the building will withstand the development, and the local council will expect the work to comply with fire regulations as well. Simply put, this stage of the process is ESSENTIAL. If you intend to sell the house at some point, potential buyers are going to expect to see all the permissions, and the introduction of HIPs regulations is going to formalise this even more (see this month’s main feature).
Stage 4 – Let the construction begin!
Once the go-ahead for construction is given, the first thing that will happen is the builders will put up scaffolding on the front and back of your house. Then the builders will go through the process of preparing the roof for the construction of the new room – access holes for the windows, laying the framing of the roof, and placing the stairs from the floor below. This is also the stage of the process where insulation is laid down on the floor, walls and ceiling of the new room, and partitions and supports are installed and plastered.
Stage 5 – Finishing touches
Once a building inspector has visited the property to ensure he or she is satisfied with the construction standards, the room is yours to do with as you please! All you then have to do is decorate and furnish the room to your requirements. Your house will have an additional storey, not to mention a considerable amount of thousands onto its price tag!
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
A loft conversion will add a huge amount of extra value onto your property by creating an entire new storey onto it. However, loft conversions are large-scale jobs that require lots of approval from the authorities so it’s crucial to plan the project thoroughly. Here’s five essential steps to guide you through the process smoothly:
Stage 1 – Contact a specialist loft conversion company
Once you’ve decided what the new room is going to be, the first thing you need to do is choose who you want to do the work for you. There are many companies out there who specialise in loft conversions, and will subcontract any additional tradesman that are required for the job – plumbers, carpenters, decorators – on your behalf. A loft conversion isn’t cheap so think carefully before you part with your cash, and make sure you get quotes from at least three different companies.
Stage 2 – Design
Next, you need to go through precisely what you want done. This will be a lengthy process, and it’s normal that many of the ideas you originally had will have to be altered or scrapped altogether because of limitations to what can be achieved. An architect will be required to formally design the room, as well as the staircase from the floor below. Things to consider at this stage are whether you intend to have central heating, windows, plumbing points, or a water tank installed.
Stage 3 – Be aware of the regulations you require
There are a pretty large number of regulations that loft conversions need to adhere to. You will definitely require building regulation approval from your local authorities and, depending on the size of the new room and your proximity to major roads, planning permission will probably be needed too. You will also need to show that the structural integrity of the building will withstand the development, and the local council will expect the work to comply with fire regulations as well. Simply put, this stage of the process is ESSENTIAL. If you intend to sell the house at some point, potential buyers are going to expect to see all the permissions, and the introduction of HIPs regulations is going to formalise this even more (see this month’s main feature).
Stage 4 – Let the construction begin!
Once the go-ahead for construction is given, the first thing that will happen is the builders will put up scaffolding on the front and back of your house. Then the builders will go through the process of preparing the roof for the construction of the new room – access holes for the windows, laying the framing of the roof, and placing the stairs from the floor below. This is also the stage of the process where insulation is laid down on the floor, walls and ceiling of the new room, and partitions and supports are installed and plastered.
Stage 5 – Finishing touches
Once a building inspector has visited the property to ensure he or she is satisfied with the construction standards, the room is yours to do with as you please! All you then have to do is decorate and furnish the room to your requirements. Your house will have an additional storey, not to mention a considerable amount of thousands onto its price tag!
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
Did you know...Planning Permission
Did you know:
You don’t necessarily need planning permission for an extension to your property. If you don’t live near a major road, or the building work is going to increase your house by less than 15 per cent, then you might not be required to get planning permission. In any case – make sure you check with your local council’s planning department first!
For new ideas and quotes on an extension, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
You don’t necessarily need planning permission for an extension to your property. If you don’t live near a major road, or the building work is going to increase your house by less than 15 per cent, then you might not be required to get planning permission. In any case – make sure you check with your local council’s planning department first!
For new ideas and quotes on an extension, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
5 Tips to consider before you begin planning a Garage Conversion
How to……………Get a Garage Conversion
A garage conversion could be the easiest and cheapest way to add a new room to your house, and increase the value of your property. If you are considering getting work done, here are five tips you must consider before you begin:
1 – Explore the possibilities
Even if you hadn’t considered a garage conversion before, think to yourself “how much do I actually use my garage?” If you think you could live without it, then there’s a huge amount of potential space in your house that isn’t being maximised. If your garage has just become a storage space for old wine bottles and bags of cement or lawnmowers, you could be wasting a great opportunity to extend the living space of your property and significantly increase its value. When it comes to deciding what you want the new room to be, the possibilities are enormous: a kitchen, a dining room, a bedroom, a home office, a TV/home cinema room, a playroom, or even a new bathroom. And remember, you can convert single, double, tandem, or detached garages into new rooms for your property.
2 – Check for permission
Make sure you contact your local council to find out if you need any permissions before work begins. Generally speaking, planning permission will not be required for a garage conversion as long as no additional volume is being added to the property, but some local councils (mostly in London) have different interpretations of regulations so it’s definitely worth checking!
3 – House deeds
Another potential stumbling block might be the deeds of your house. It’s sometimes the case – particularly on new housing estates – that developers put clauses into the sale of your house that prevent you from altering its appearance. This is basically so that they can sell the rest of the houses in your estate, so normally these restrictions are lifted once the selling process on the estate is over.
4 – Don’t forget insulation
Remember that your garage didn’t have any insulation, so the walls, floor and ceiling of the new room will need to be upgraded thermally. The company you choose to do the work will be able to achieve this to the required standards, but may not have included it in their original quote, so make sure you ask them about it first! If you are planning to turn your garage into a bathroom or kitchen, don’t forget to factor in the water or gas points into your budget, and remember that there are regulations concerning the placement of these points as well.
5 – Blend the new room in for maximum return
To add the maximum value onto your property, potential buyers need to think that the new room was always there, and it doesn’t look like a garage conversion. There are several methods you can use to achieve this: firstly, make sure the entrance to the new room goes onto the hallway in the same way as the rest of the house. Secondly, try to ensure the floor and ceiling of the new room is at the same level as the rest of your house – this can be tricky as many garages are set a step below. Finally, the room needs to look good from the outside too, so ensure the brickwork and window(s) you choose are consistent with the rest of the house.
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! http://www.garageconversionquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
A garage conversion could be the easiest and cheapest way to add a new room to your house, and increase the value of your property. If you are considering getting work done, here are five tips you must consider before you begin:
1 – Explore the possibilities
Even if you hadn’t considered a garage conversion before, think to yourself “how much do I actually use my garage?” If you think you could live without it, then there’s a huge amount of potential space in your house that isn’t being maximised. If your garage has just become a storage space for old wine bottles and bags of cement or lawnmowers, you could be wasting a great opportunity to extend the living space of your property and significantly increase its value. When it comes to deciding what you want the new room to be, the possibilities are enormous: a kitchen, a dining room, a bedroom, a home office, a TV/home cinema room, a playroom, or even a new bathroom. And remember, you can convert single, double, tandem, or detached garages into new rooms for your property.
2 – Check for permission
Make sure you contact your local council to find out if you need any permissions before work begins. Generally speaking, planning permission will not be required for a garage conversion as long as no additional volume is being added to the property, but some local councils (mostly in London) have different interpretations of regulations so it’s definitely worth checking!
3 – House deeds
Another potential stumbling block might be the deeds of your house. It’s sometimes the case – particularly on new housing estates – that developers put clauses into the sale of your house that prevent you from altering its appearance. This is basically so that they can sell the rest of the houses in your estate, so normally these restrictions are lifted once the selling process on the estate is over.
4 – Don’t forget insulation
Remember that your garage didn’t have any insulation, so the walls, floor and ceiling of the new room will need to be upgraded thermally. The company you choose to do the work will be able to achieve this to the required standards, but may not have included it in their original quote, so make sure you ask them about it first! If you are planning to turn your garage into a bathroom or kitchen, don’t forget to factor in the water or gas points into your budget, and remember that there are regulations concerning the placement of these points as well.
5 – Blend the new room in for maximum return
To add the maximum value onto your property, potential buyers need to think that the new room was always there, and it doesn’t look like a garage conversion. There are several methods you can use to achieve this: firstly, make sure the entrance to the new room goes onto the hallway in the same way as the rest of the house. Secondly, try to ensure the floor and ceiling of the new room is at the same level as the rest of your house – this can be tricky as many garages are set a step below. Finally, the room needs to look good from the outside too, so ensure the brickwork and window(s) you choose are consistent with the rest of the house.
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! http://www.garageconversionquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
Everything you need to know about HIPs
Selling your house? You will need a HIP
Everything you need to know about HIPs
On 1st August 2007, the government will introduce the Home Information Pack (HIPs) policy in the UK. Although the initial implementation will only affect larger properties – those with four bedrooms or more – HIPs will eventually impact every home-owner in the country, and anyone who is looking to buy or sell property. Mark Cooper, Managing Director of homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, goes through exactly what you need to know about the packs.
Q: What on earth is a HIP?
A: Home Information Packs (HIPs) are a new government policy designed to regulate the process of property transactions. Basically a HIP is a set of documents that contain specific information about your property such as how energy efficient it is, and records of any actions by your local authorities. You will need to have a HIP if you want to sell your property.
Q: Woh, that’s inconvenient – why is the government introducing them?
A: Apparently, the government reckons that £350 million a year is currently lost through house purchases that fall through because buyers discover problems on the property after they have made an offer, and then cancel the deal. The idea of HIPs is to make all the information about the property available before this can happen. HIPS are also supposedly going to stop ‘gazumping’ from happening – when a seller uses the ten-week period it takes for an agreed buyer to get a survey on a property done to accept better offers from other parties, forcing the price up.
Q: Weren’t HIPS in the news recently?
A: You will probably have heard quite a bit about them in the news recently, and the government has got a fair bit of negative publicity over them. This is mainly because the policy was originally intended to come into effect on 1st June 2007, but at the last minute the government delayed the introduction by two months and announced it would be phased so only people with large properties are to be affected initially.
Q: Okay I’m confused already – when does the policy come into force? Will it affect me?
A: HIPs are going to be a legal requirement for anyone selling a property with four or more bedrooms after 1st August 2007. If your property is smaller than this, you don’t have to worry about HIPs just yet – the government has said that the policy will be extended to cover properties of all sizes, but hasn’t announced when this will come into force yet. The HIPs policy does NOT affect Scotland, but the Scottish parliament is planning to introduce a similar policy in the near future.
Q: So what does a HIP contain?
A: A HIP must contain five basic documents:
1. HIP Index – This basically sums up what is in the pack, giving a brief overview of the information in the form of a checklist. Everyone involved in the sale – buyer, seller, estate agent, authorities – can see the status of the pack and its contents.
2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – This is the most important part of the pack from the government’s point of view, and the most expensive to the seller. It contains your property’s environmental impact rating, on a sale of A to G, as well as recommendations on how to increase your energy efficiency. Has to be done by a registered inspector.
3. Sale Statement – Basic information about the site.
4. Title Documents for the Property – Official evidence of who owns the property.
5. Local Authority and Drainage Searches – This includes records of local land charges, planning decisions and proposals from local authorities, and details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
There are additional documents to complete depending on whether the property being sold is a leasehold or a commonhold. Each of the documents must be no more than three months old when you first put your property on the market. The HIP will be valid until the property sells, and you can still use it if the property comes off the market and then goes back on again within 12 months.
Q: Sounds complicated – how much am I going to have to fork out for one of these things then?
A: Estimates say £400 minimum
Q: What! How much?
A: £400, and all of it has to be paid for by the property seller – although the cost may end up being transferred to the buyer because people raise the property price to cover the cost. The most costly part of the HIP will be the EPC, which will cost £150 alone and requires an EPC inspector to carry out an assessment on your property.
Q: How do I get a HIP?
A: If you are about to put your property up for sale, there are a number of options available to you. Your estate agent should be able to provide the pack for you for a fee, or alternatively you can use a solicitor or one of a number of specialist pack providers that are around. You can also compile the pack yourself, which could potentially save you some money.
Q: Will HIPs affect my plans to extend my house?
A: No – unless the new room is a bedroom that will take you over the four-bedroom threshold. It’s important to remember that HIPs will measure energy efficiency, and take into account any new rooms you have built when it comes to putting your property on the market. Your HIP will also keep record of all your dealings with the authorities, such as getting planning permission.
For more information, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Everything you need to know about HIPs
On 1st August 2007, the government will introduce the Home Information Pack (HIPs) policy in the UK. Although the initial implementation will only affect larger properties – those with four bedrooms or more – HIPs will eventually impact every home-owner in the country, and anyone who is looking to buy or sell property. Mark Cooper, Managing Director of homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, goes through exactly what you need to know about the packs.
Q: What on earth is a HIP?
A: Home Information Packs (HIPs) are a new government policy designed to regulate the process of property transactions. Basically a HIP is a set of documents that contain specific information about your property such as how energy efficient it is, and records of any actions by your local authorities. You will need to have a HIP if you want to sell your property.
Q: Woh, that’s inconvenient – why is the government introducing them?
A: Apparently, the government reckons that £350 million a year is currently lost through house purchases that fall through because buyers discover problems on the property after they have made an offer, and then cancel the deal. The idea of HIPs is to make all the information about the property available before this can happen. HIPS are also supposedly going to stop ‘gazumping’ from happening – when a seller uses the ten-week period it takes for an agreed buyer to get a survey on a property done to accept better offers from other parties, forcing the price up.
Q: Weren’t HIPS in the news recently?
A: You will probably have heard quite a bit about them in the news recently, and the government has got a fair bit of negative publicity over them. This is mainly because the policy was originally intended to come into effect on 1st June 2007, but at the last minute the government delayed the introduction by two months and announced it would be phased so only people with large properties are to be affected initially.
Q: Okay I’m confused already – when does the policy come into force? Will it affect me?
A: HIPs are going to be a legal requirement for anyone selling a property with four or more bedrooms after 1st August 2007. If your property is smaller than this, you don’t have to worry about HIPs just yet – the government has said that the policy will be extended to cover properties of all sizes, but hasn’t announced when this will come into force yet. The HIPs policy does NOT affect Scotland, but the Scottish parliament is planning to introduce a similar policy in the near future.
Q: So what does a HIP contain?
A: A HIP must contain five basic documents:
1. HIP Index – This basically sums up what is in the pack, giving a brief overview of the information in the form of a checklist. Everyone involved in the sale – buyer, seller, estate agent, authorities – can see the status of the pack and its contents.
2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – This is the most important part of the pack from the government’s point of view, and the most expensive to the seller. It contains your property’s environmental impact rating, on a sale of A to G, as well as recommendations on how to increase your energy efficiency. Has to be done by a registered inspector.
3. Sale Statement – Basic information about the site.
4. Title Documents for the Property – Official evidence of who owns the property.
5. Local Authority and Drainage Searches – This includes records of local land charges, planning decisions and proposals from local authorities, and details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
There are additional documents to complete depending on whether the property being sold is a leasehold or a commonhold. Each of the documents must be no more than three months old when you first put your property on the market. The HIP will be valid until the property sells, and you can still use it if the property comes off the market and then goes back on again within 12 months.
Q: Sounds complicated – how much am I going to have to fork out for one of these things then?
A: Estimates say £400 minimum
Q: What! How much?
A: £400, and all of it has to be paid for by the property seller – although the cost may end up being transferred to the buyer because people raise the property price to cover the cost. The most costly part of the HIP will be the EPC, which will cost £150 alone and requires an EPC inspector to carry out an assessment on your property.
Q: How do I get a HIP?
A: If you are about to put your property up for sale, there are a number of options available to you. Your estate agent should be able to provide the pack for you for a fee, or alternatively you can use a solicitor or one of a number of specialist pack providers that are around. You can also compile the pack yourself, which could potentially save you some money.
Q: Will HIPs affect my plans to extend my house?
A: No – unless the new room is a bedroom that will take you over the four-bedroom threshold. It’s important to remember that HIPs will measure energy efficiency, and take into account any new rooms you have built when it comes to putting your property on the market. Your HIP will also keep record of all your dealings with the authorities, such as getting planning permission.
For more information, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
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