It has been a lovely bank holiday weekend with the royal wedding (yes I admit it I watched and cried - the bride looked beautiful) and the fact that the sun has been shining and April was a very busy month for work. But then back to work on tuesday, was feeling positive and happy (hoping that work was going to stay busy) did a few epcs in the morning and came back to upload them and book in two vendors who were selling through an estate agent I have known and worked with for the past 3 years.
And what a phone call that turned out to be - I was told in no uncertain terms with alot of swearing that "its a waste of money" "it'll be gone soon like the hips thingy" "I aint chucking any more money anyway". I was (very proud of myself) very polite and professional. I explained that the the regulations were in the process of changing ie 7 days not 28 days, that it was a legal requirement and that it would require doing. In the end though there was no getting through to the vendor so I have had to refer it back to the estate agents and will wait and see what happens.
I will admit that if I end up doing the epc on that particular property I will be slightly nervous as the gentleman was very aggressive.
On a positive side the estate agents were absolutely disgusted and were sending out a letter to the vendor explaining that the epc had to be done regardless of his views on the matter.
Anyway heres hoping that May turns into a very busy month for all of us involved in the housing industry.
Showing posts with label EPCs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPCs. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Got to hope.
Reading through the news this morning all I could find was doom and gloom in regards to the housing market - housing market remaining slow, pessimism affecting housing market and highly uncertain, being the main headlines online today.
But click on to them and read through and there is a glimmer of hope! So I have "swiped" the positive comments out for everyone to see below:
"“However, there is a very clear regional pattern emerging, with London seeing a greater level of price resilience, while in much of the North and Midlands the market remains under greater pressure.” http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/Housing-market-gets-off-to-a-bad-start-says-RICS
"Atlantic Canadians may feel they can afford to scrimp and save to pay off debt built up during a holiday buying spree, as the bank suggests, but those same people may feel that purchasing a new home is just too far out of their reach for now. But there is a touch of irony that a simple decision by individuals to hold off on making major purchases, such as a new home, ultimately affects the broader economy"
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1226718.html
It seems that the Canadians are experiencing what we in the UK are. There is little confidence in the market and therefore people aren't buying - but if there was the confidence then we would see higher prices, more properties on the market and more work and better for the economy. Unfortunately (yes, I am on that "soapbox" again) until the Government puts pressure on the banks to make it easier to get a mortgage again we aren't going to see the influx of first time buyers on the market that we need.
But click on to them and read through and there is a glimmer of hope! So I have "swiped" the positive comments out for everyone to see below:
"“However, there is a very clear regional pattern emerging, with London seeing a greater level of price resilience, while in much of the North and Midlands the market remains under greater pressure.” http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/Housing-market-gets-off-to-a-bad-start-says-RICS
"Atlantic Canadians may feel they can afford to scrimp and save to pay off debt built up during a holiday buying spree, as the bank suggests, but those same people may feel that purchasing a new home is just too far out of their reach for now. But there is a touch of irony that a simple decision by individuals to hold off on making major purchases, such as a new home, ultimately affects the broader economy"
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1226718.html
It seems that the Canadians are experiencing what we in the UK are. There is little confidence in the market and therefore people aren't buying - but if there was the confidence then we would see higher prices, more properties on the market and more work and better for the economy. Unfortunately (yes, I am on that "soapbox" again) until the Government puts pressure on the banks to make it easier to get a mortgage again we aren't going to see the influx of first time buyers on the market that we need.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Ending January in a positive mood!
I am in a very good mood today! Partly because I have EPCs booked in for tomorrow (I always like to start and end the month with work booked in, makes me feel positive for the month ahead) and partly because of all the news I have seen recently:
1. " Quidos investigate Trading Standards regime
Quidos has conducted a survey of all UK Local Authorities and the amount of enforcement that has been implemented with regard to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.It is clear there is very minimal, and in the vast majority, no enforcement action being undertaken by local trading standards in regard of EPBD regulations. 65 of the 177 authorities, that responded, have made zero enquiries into EPBD compliance. A further 48 authorities had made less than 10 enquiries.In 2008/09 £3.4million was provided by DCLG to cover the costs of EPBD enforcement to Local Authorities (in England and Wales). In the following years this has been reduced to £1.9million per year.
To date over £6,000,000.00 has been funded from the public purse to English and Welsh Local Authorities who have made enquiries of under 7,000 buildings in the past 3 years. Of these inspections 75% of them were conducted by just 14 separate TSOs. A total of 23 Penalty Charge Notices have been issued, which represents a lack of appetite to penalise rather than high rates of compliance. What enforcement that exists, is largely reactive rather than proactive. This would suggest that either there is very high compliance with the regulations and no problems exist; or (and far more likely) that there is very low compliance, and very few complaints are received by the Trading Standards Officers because no-one is aware of the legislation. A chicken and egg scenario.
At present the 200 separate Trading Standards departments are under pressure from financial restraint, and increasing emphasis on more ‘high risk’ areas to monitor, hence collectively it is a difficult task to enforce the EPBD regulations.
Philip Salaman, Managing Director of Quidos commented that “Quidos recommendations are to regionalise the enforcement to eight defined geographical areas, with a small number of dedicated trading standard officers to enforce the EPBD regulations. This has been very successfully adopted in Northern Ireland, and should provide a model for England, Wales, and Scotland.”
In addition Quidos recommend the provision for private companies to be contracted by these regionalised TSOs to provide enforcement if required. Fines can be defined (and retained) by each region, with a maximum being imposed by DCLG.
Mr Salaman adds: “In these austere times we all face, there needs to be an emphasis on cost cutting. Energy certification can provide that, since it highlights inefficiencies and ways to implement cost savings through reduced energy consumption. Local authorities should look to EPBD enforcement not only as a revenue generating exercise, but one in which to reduce energy consumption across their locality.”
Click here to see the full report on Quidos.co.uk"
Lovely to see that things are getting looked into!
2. "House prices in England and Wales fell 0.2 percent in December, leaving them 1.5 percent higher than the same month a year ago, figures from the Land Registry showed on Monday. "
Brilliant, lets see some renewed confidence in the housing market then please!
3. "David Cameron has claimed banks are being too cautious in restricting mortgage lending, as Bank of England figures showed borrowing falling sharply. The PM said banks and building societies are to blame for becoming too stringent in their lending regulations, and that they were preventing the housing market from progressing. Speaking to voters in Leicester, Mr Cameron said it was vital for the economy that Britain's housing market became more competitive. His comments followed Housing Minister Grant Shapps recent statement that the Government did not want another housing boom. Banks and building societies have introduced more restrictive mortgage rules since the global economic crash revealed millions had been sold mortgages beyond their means. But the Prime Minister called on lenders to return to 'respectable' lending in order to stimulate growth. 'In a way the pendulum has now swung too far the other way,' he said. 'If you are a single person, you are earning a decent salary. You go to the bank or building society, you are actually quite a good risk - they won't give you 80% of the value, they won't give you four times your salary.'
So from that can we hope that the lenders and the government are finally realising that the current tight restrictions on borrowing is making the market worse? Lets hope so!
1. " Quidos investigate Trading Standards regime
Quidos has conducted a survey of all UK Local Authorities and the amount of enforcement that has been implemented with regard to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.It is clear there is very minimal, and in the vast majority, no enforcement action being undertaken by local trading standards in regard of EPBD regulations. 65 of the 177 authorities, that responded, have made zero enquiries into EPBD compliance. A further 48 authorities had made less than 10 enquiries.In 2008/09 £3.4million was provided by DCLG to cover the costs of EPBD enforcement to Local Authorities (in England and Wales). In the following years this has been reduced to £1.9million per year.
To date over £6,000,000.00 has been funded from the public purse to English and Welsh Local Authorities who have made enquiries of under 7,000 buildings in the past 3 years. Of these inspections 75% of them were conducted by just 14 separate TSOs. A total of 23 Penalty Charge Notices have been issued, which represents a lack of appetite to penalise rather than high rates of compliance. What enforcement that exists, is largely reactive rather than proactive. This would suggest that either there is very high compliance with the regulations and no problems exist; or (and far more likely) that there is very low compliance, and very few complaints are received by the Trading Standards Officers because no-one is aware of the legislation. A chicken and egg scenario.
At present the 200 separate Trading Standards departments are under pressure from financial restraint, and increasing emphasis on more ‘high risk’ areas to monitor, hence collectively it is a difficult task to enforce the EPBD regulations.
Philip Salaman, Managing Director of Quidos commented that “Quidos recommendations are to regionalise the enforcement to eight defined geographical areas, with a small number of dedicated trading standard officers to enforce the EPBD regulations. This has been very successfully adopted in Northern Ireland, and should provide a model for England, Wales, and Scotland.”
In addition Quidos recommend the provision for private companies to be contracted by these regionalised TSOs to provide enforcement if required. Fines can be defined (and retained) by each region, with a maximum being imposed by DCLG.
Mr Salaman adds: “In these austere times we all face, there needs to be an emphasis on cost cutting. Energy certification can provide that, since it highlights inefficiencies and ways to implement cost savings through reduced energy consumption. Local authorities should look to EPBD enforcement not only as a revenue generating exercise, but one in which to reduce energy consumption across their locality.”
Click here to see the full report on Quidos.co.uk"
Lovely to see that things are getting looked into!
2. "House prices in England and Wales fell 0.2 percent in December, leaving them 1.5 percent higher than the same month a year ago, figures from the Land Registry showed on Monday. "
Brilliant, lets see some renewed confidence in the housing market then please!
3. "David Cameron has claimed banks are being too cautious in restricting mortgage lending, as Bank of England figures showed borrowing falling sharply. The PM said banks and building societies are to blame for becoming too stringent in their lending regulations, and that they were preventing the housing market from progressing. Speaking to voters in Leicester, Mr Cameron said it was vital for the economy that Britain's housing market became more competitive. His comments followed Housing Minister Grant Shapps recent statement that the Government did not want another housing boom. Banks and building societies have introduced more restrictive mortgage rules since the global economic crash revealed millions had been sold mortgages beyond their means. But the Prime Minister called on lenders to return to 'respectable' lending in order to stimulate growth. 'In a way the pendulum has now swung too far the other way,' he said. 'If you are a single person, you are earning a decent salary. You go to the bank or building society, you are actually quite a good risk - they won't give you 80% of the value, they won't give you four times your salary.'
So from that can we hope that the lenders and the government are finally realising that the current tight restrictions on borrowing is making the market worse? Lets hope so!
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
More products?
Its a bitterly cold wednesday. Ice on the cars and on the roads. But I am in a happy place right now - I managed to get all 3 kids fed, washed and dressed before 8am without having to shout once! Normally I have turned into the fishwife from hell by 8am on a school day shouting at one or the other to hurry up, we will be late, get moving etc so to have not had to do that feels so good - don't want to jinx myself but maybe the kids are getting into the routine finally?
Work this week is quiet so I am concentrating on researching other products I can offer to my clients and (hopefully) potential clients. I already do EPCs, commercial EPCs, floorplans and inventories so other than check ins of tenants am not sure what else I can offer (any ideas let me know!). Have thought about videos of properties, a walk through of a property for sale - it would save time as potential buyers would be able to get a wonderful feel for the property but am not 100% on that at the moment. It would be similar to the 360 tours that were in fashion some time ago but it would incorportate all of the property so that idea needs some looking into.
The current situation with mortgages is worrying me at the moment, unless the Government does something then the market is going to continue on its current path. We need to see the lending "freeing" up so that more people can get on the market! If the Government wants more people in work it would certainly help alot of builders get back to work if the housing market started moving again and it would, with stamp duty etc, give more revenue for the Government and help the UK get out of debt.
Work this week is quiet so I am concentrating on researching other products I can offer to my clients and (hopefully) potential clients. I already do EPCs, commercial EPCs, floorplans and inventories so other than check ins of tenants am not sure what else I can offer (any ideas let me know!). Have thought about videos of properties, a walk through of a property for sale - it would save time as potential buyers would be able to get a wonderful feel for the property but am not 100% on that at the moment. It would be similar to the 360 tours that were in fashion some time ago but it would incorportate all of the property so that idea needs some looking into.
The current situation with mortgages is worrying me at the moment, unless the Government does something then the market is going to continue on its current path. We need to see the lending "freeing" up so that more people can get on the market! If the Government wants more people in work it would certainly help alot of builders get back to work if the housing market started moving again and it would, with stamp duty etc, give more revenue for the Government and help the UK get out of debt.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Good time to buy?
http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/Escape-landlord-good-yahoofinanceuk-508312233.html
This article is something I have read today and its so nice to see some encouragement about buying a property in the current market.
"But while falling prices and low interest rates make rising rents less excusable, they also mean it could be the best time in years to wave goodbye to the landlord and get a place of your own.
After all why would you want to pay someone else's mortgage when you could own your own home?"
The article goes on to list some of the current mortgage deals available to first time buyers - and (I am definately NOT an expert on mortgages!) there looks like there are some very good affordable deals out there to help people get on the market.
Getting more first time buyers on the market is definately a step in the right direction - it stops the market stagnating and allows the market to start moving freely. The amount of people an improvement in the housing market would benefit is unbelievable - DEAs, estate agents, solicitors, builders etc it would definately be helping the current economy and taking off alot of the gloom.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend - I'm back on decorating duty!
This article is something I have read today and its so nice to see some encouragement about buying a property in the current market.
"But while falling prices and low interest rates make rising rents less excusable, they also mean it could be the best time in years to wave goodbye to the landlord and get a place of your own.
After all why would you want to pay someone else's mortgage when you could own your own home?"
The article goes on to list some of the current mortgage deals available to first time buyers - and (I am definately NOT an expert on mortgages!) there looks like there are some very good affordable deals out there to help people get on the market.
Getting more first time buyers on the market is definately a step in the right direction - it stops the market stagnating and allows the market to start moving freely. The amount of people an improvement in the housing market would benefit is unbelievable - DEAs, estate agents, solicitors, builders etc it would definately be helping the current economy and taking off alot of the gloom.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend - I'm back on decorating duty!
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Moving forward
I have actually had a good week - middle one hasn't been fighting at playschool and eldest and youngest are behaving as well so with my mum hat on life hasn't been too bad.
I have finally managed to feel fully recovered from the virus that I caught in December and am back to my normal self re getting my housework and other chores done so the fact that I am normally "on top" of it all by 8am makes me (although admittedly obsessive) quite happy.
There was a survey that I filled in earlier this week which has been started by IDEA (an organisation for Energy Assessors - tries very hard but needs more members and more promotion because it is doing good work) which dealt with what changes could/should be made to the EPC and the industry. I always say it - we haven't got Christine Milne and England didn't organise this like Australia has done and the EPC has not been promoted as the new "granite worktop" as it is in New York so there is a lot that could be done to aid our industry and weed out the unprofessional DEAs. Hopefully this survey WILL begin the changes that are so desperately needed within the industry.
I am carrying out my first inventory today. I have done them previously when I worked as an estate agent but after researching them over the past few months it has suprised me that more emphasis is not placed upon them - they protect both landlord and tenant if done thoroughly, independantly and professionally. There should always be photographs included in the inventory and it should be very detailed! I am taking video camera, notebook and camera (date stamp included) to make sure that it is done to the very highest standard.
Although most people are now saying how many resolutions that they have already broken I saved myself the trouble by not having any this year although I do have a wish list (lets see if any of them have happened by the end of 2011):
1. Lose weight
2. Grow my client base due to standard of my work
3. Work with other DEAs to form a co-operative (provides better service than some of the panels)
4. See the promotion of the EPC by the Government
5. Watch the cowboy DEAs be removed.
6. Keep my family happy and healthy
Have a lovely weekend.
I have finally managed to feel fully recovered from the virus that I caught in December and am back to my normal self re getting my housework and other chores done so the fact that I am normally "on top" of it all by 8am makes me (although admittedly obsessive) quite happy.
There was a survey that I filled in earlier this week which has been started by IDEA (an organisation for Energy Assessors - tries very hard but needs more members and more promotion because it is doing good work) which dealt with what changes could/should be made to the EPC and the industry. I always say it - we haven't got Christine Milne and England didn't organise this like Australia has done and the EPC has not been promoted as the new "granite worktop" as it is in New York so there is a lot that could be done to aid our industry and weed out the unprofessional DEAs. Hopefully this survey WILL begin the changes that are so desperately needed within the industry.
I am carrying out my first inventory today. I have done them previously when I worked as an estate agent but after researching them over the past few months it has suprised me that more emphasis is not placed upon them - they protect both landlord and tenant if done thoroughly, independantly and professionally. There should always be photographs included in the inventory and it should be very detailed! I am taking video camera, notebook and camera (date stamp included) to make sure that it is done to the very highest standard.
Although most people are now saying how many resolutions that they have already broken I saved myself the trouble by not having any this year although I do have a wish list (lets see if any of them have happened by the end of 2011):
1. Lose weight
2. Grow my client base due to standard of my work
3. Work with other DEAs to form a co-operative (provides better service than some of the panels)
4. See the promotion of the EPC by the Government
5. Watch the cowboy DEAs be removed.
6. Keep my family happy and healthy
Have a lovely weekend.
Friday, 7 January 2011
a little rant.
Am in the mood for a little rant this morning - mainly because the eldest is back to her usual tricks of asking me to "magic" something up that she needs for school 1 minute before we need to be out the door!
We all had a good Christmas and New Year and have finally started decorating the house - we've only lived here five years but we have had 2 babies in quick succession during that time but atleast we've started and I now have a weekend of painting woodwork to look forward to.
Its very quiet on the work front at the moment, it normally is in January but I can't help thinking that although the majority of people blamed HIPs for the drop in house sales we need to look at the fact that there are not enough mortgages being approved. Once 100% mortgages went so did alot of first time buyers. I am not suggesting that we go back to those days but there has to be another solution to open up the market to first time buyers - if the first time buyers are once again able to get a mortgage then that will move the rest of the market. If the rest of the market gets moving we will have busy estate agents, surveyors and energy assessors - that surely will help the economy and improve alot of things for everyone. It would be a ripple affect and one that is much needed at the moment.
I hope that everyone else is well and wish everyone a successful and happy 2011.
We all had a good Christmas and New Year and have finally started decorating the house - we've only lived here five years but we have had 2 babies in quick succession during that time but atleast we've started and I now have a weekend of painting woodwork to look forward to.
Its very quiet on the work front at the moment, it normally is in January but I can't help thinking that although the majority of people blamed HIPs for the drop in house sales we need to look at the fact that there are not enough mortgages being approved. Once 100% mortgages went so did alot of first time buyers. I am not suggesting that we go back to those days but there has to be another solution to open up the market to first time buyers - if the first time buyers are once again able to get a mortgage then that will move the rest of the market. If the rest of the market gets moving we will have busy estate agents, surveyors and energy assessors - that surely will help the economy and improve alot of things for everyone. It would be a ripple affect and one that is much needed at the moment.
I hope that everyone else is well and wish everyone a successful and happy 2011.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Co-operatives
At the moment there are 100s of websites offering EPCs, both commercial and domestic, at low cost prices Nationwide.
These are more often that not middle-men, and there has been lots of cases recently where DEAs are not being paid and the "middle-men" firms are going under, shutting up and both the DEA and the clients are getting burnt.
In 2008 I was involved with trying to set up a "union" for DEAs - mainly because I am passionate about this industry and wanted to see it promoted more but also because I felt that DEAs NEEDED to work together to provide more coverage and to effectively "cut out" the middlemen.
I feel that this, more than ever, is required. DEAs need to be working together - to provide holiday cover for each other, support and if there were enough DEAs working together to be able to provide a service to larger nationwide estate agents and clients.
If there was Nationwide coverage from a co-operative of DEAs then they would be able to have a larger pot for advertising - putting them "up" there with the middlemen on google rankings and therefore the DEAs would benefit by getting more clients and therefore more work. It would benefit the client because they would be speaking with trained and accredited DEAs and not a call centre operative who would simply be passing a message on.
This solution of a co-operative would benefit all concerned and is definitely on my Christmas wish list this year.
These are more often that not middle-men, and there has been lots of cases recently where DEAs are not being paid and the "middle-men" firms are going under, shutting up and both the DEA and the clients are getting burnt.
In 2008 I was involved with trying to set up a "union" for DEAs - mainly because I am passionate about this industry and wanted to see it promoted more but also because I felt that DEAs NEEDED to work together to provide more coverage and to effectively "cut out" the middlemen.
I feel that this, more than ever, is required. DEAs need to be working together - to provide holiday cover for each other, support and if there were enough DEAs working together to be able to provide a service to larger nationwide estate agents and clients.
If there was Nationwide coverage from a co-operative of DEAs then they would be able to have a larger pot for advertising - putting them "up" there with the middlemen on google rankings and therefore the DEAs would benefit by getting more clients and therefore more work. It would benefit the client because they would be speaking with trained and accredited DEAs and not a call centre operative who would simply be passing a message on.
This solution of a co-operative would benefit all concerned and is definitely on my Christmas wish list this year.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
General.
Am feeling quite positive today - the 3 year old is a playschool (where is finally starting to behave), 8 year old at school and I have now had 6 nights undisturbed sleep - might not sound like a lot but when you have not had more than one night undisturbed over the course of 3 years its fantastic!
Have got the day off work today and have been good and spent the morning getting organised, lodging new addresses with Landmark ready for work tomorrow and doing that dreaded task of chasing invoices. I like to get "ahead" of myself where possible - it means that the clients get a quick turnaround from access to a property to receipt of the EPC and that is very important to me. I am very glad that I have been able to continue with being a self employed DEA (although it has been and is a struggle sometimes) because I was talking to a gentleman yesterday who because of unpaid invoices and lack of work has had to quit being a DEA - he simply cannot afford to do the job anymore.
I have also arranged a babysitter (grandparents - thank you!) and am off to my husbands mess function next week - very excited have never been able to go before, although am now nervous about what to wear (can't believe I said that - but don't want to show the other half up and need to be correctly dressed). Any ideas? I don't think it is a ball gown kind of function but the men are in suits so need to be smart - definitely not a Saturday night out with the girls kind of outfit from what I can understand.
Its been so cold overnight that there is ice on all the cars and on all the roofs in my street - its one of those times when you can clearly see who has insulated their lofts - those that melt quickly that's your heat and money heading skywards!
Have got the day off work today and have been good and spent the morning getting organised, lodging new addresses with Landmark ready for work tomorrow and doing that dreaded task of chasing invoices. I like to get "ahead" of myself where possible - it means that the clients get a quick turnaround from access to a property to receipt of the EPC and that is very important to me. I am very glad that I have been able to continue with being a self employed DEA (although it has been and is a struggle sometimes) because I was talking to a gentleman yesterday who because of unpaid invoices and lack of work has had to quit being a DEA - he simply cannot afford to do the job anymore.
I have also arranged a babysitter (grandparents - thank you!) and am off to my husbands mess function next week - very excited have never been able to go before, although am now nervous about what to wear (can't believe I said that - but don't want to show the other half up and need to be correctly dressed). Any ideas? I don't think it is a ball gown kind of function but the men are in suits so need to be smart - definitely not a Saturday night out with the girls kind of outfit from what I can understand.
Its been so cold overnight that there is ice on all the cars and on all the roofs in my street - its one of those times when you can clearly see who has insulated their lofts - those that melt quickly that's your heat and money heading skywards!
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Pricing and cash flow
I feel like screaming at the moment, but I am trying very hard to be calm.
I work very hard. I make sure that all the reports I do are prepared properly - I spend longer than I need to to make sure that I haven't missed any detail and that every part of a property has been assessed thoroughly and professionally. I offer flooplans and will (after Christmas) being offering video's of the properties. I am happy to do inventories and on occassion, if clients want, write up descriptions of the properties.
I keep being undercut which is why I am not getting any new clients and why my current clients are being constantly emailed with offers of fees much lower than mine. I am very glad that (touch wood) I have kept alot of my original clients and gained more over the years but I cannot understand why people continue to devalue the EPC by dropping the fee to a level where it is almost impossible to make a living from it.
I don't believe that EPCs should cost a small fortune, you shouldn't need a bank loan to pay for one and the fee shouldn't make you wince but it should be realistic - its not just the time on site, its the fuel cost, upload cost, and insurance plus the time in the office that all have to be taken into account.
The life of a self employed DEA is not an easy one in the current market conditions but it is one that I enjoy and intend to do for as long as physically and financially possible. But are we in danger of losing the professional DEAs in favour of the cowboys as the professional ones lose clients to the cowboys?? I hope not. I lost one client due to price who then came back to me due to the very poor service they were getting from the lower priced DEA and for that I am grateful. Another client came back to me due to poor service and bad turnaround from a low priced DEA and asked if I would just upload the EPC for them if they (the estate agent) assessed the property - I could have made £20 for doing nothing more than uploading an EPC - no site visit, no petrol costs etc BUT I refused because I am a professional and it is against the regulations, I didn't get the client back because I wouldn't do that and I am sure there is someone else out there doing that for them as we speak.
Apart from undercutting there also seems to be a problem with payment for some DEAs - http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=3716&title=EPC_boss_Whatcott_says_he_will_sue_as_DEA_anger_mounts&type=news_features
it appears that the DEAs have carried out work for this company and then are struggling to get paid. As a self employed DEA it is important that you get paid on time as there simply isn't the cashflow in the business to let invoices remain unpaid. I have worked for the company in question in the Estate Agent Today article and I thankfully have been paid by them. I have only ever not been paid by one company and it still annoys me to this day - it has certainly made me less trusting and I keep a very close eye on my invoices.
What I wouldn't give for a Christine Milne in the energy assessors corner in the UK today.
I work very hard. I make sure that all the reports I do are prepared properly - I spend longer than I need to to make sure that I haven't missed any detail and that every part of a property has been assessed thoroughly and professionally. I offer flooplans and will (after Christmas) being offering video's of the properties. I am happy to do inventories and on occassion, if clients want, write up descriptions of the properties.
I keep being undercut which is why I am not getting any new clients and why my current clients are being constantly emailed with offers of fees much lower than mine. I am very glad that (touch wood) I have kept alot of my original clients and gained more over the years but I cannot understand why people continue to devalue the EPC by dropping the fee to a level where it is almost impossible to make a living from it.
I don't believe that EPCs should cost a small fortune, you shouldn't need a bank loan to pay for one and the fee shouldn't make you wince but it should be realistic - its not just the time on site, its the fuel cost, upload cost, and insurance plus the time in the office that all have to be taken into account.
The life of a self employed DEA is not an easy one in the current market conditions but it is one that I enjoy and intend to do for as long as physically and financially possible. But are we in danger of losing the professional DEAs in favour of the cowboys as the professional ones lose clients to the cowboys?? I hope not. I lost one client due to price who then came back to me due to the very poor service they were getting from the lower priced DEA and for that I am grateful. Another client came back to me due to poor service and bad turnaround from a low priced DEA and asked if I would just upload the EPC for them if they (the estate agent) assessed the property - I could have made £20 for doing nothing more than uploading an EPC - no site visit, no petrol costs etc BUT I refused because I am a professional and it is against the regulations, I didn't get the client back because I wouldn't do that and I am sure there is someone else out there doing that for them as we speak.
Apart from undercutting there also seems to be a problem with payment for some DEAs - http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=3716&title=EPC_boss_Whatcott_says_he_will_sue_as_DEA_anger_mounts&type=news_features
it appears that the DEAs have carried out work for this company and then are struggling to get paid. As a self employed DEA it is important that you get paid on time as there simply isn't the cashflow in the business to let invoices remain unpaid. I have worked for the company in question in the Estate Agent Today article and I thankfully have been paid by them. I have only ever not been paid by one company and it still annoys me to this day - it has certainly made me less trusting and I keep a very close eye on my invoices.
What I wouldn't give for a Christine Milne in the energy assessors corner in the UK today.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
New common sense code to build greener homes
Grant Shapps outlines local approach to delivering zero carbon homes from 2016
| Published | 27 July 2010 |
|---|
Councils and developers could be given much more flexibility to meet ambitious eco-standards to ensure all new homes are zero carbon from 2016, Housing Minister Grant Shapps said today.
It comes as part of the Coalition Government's ambition for an eco-friendly economy and to become the greenest government ever.
The Minister has said he will look at ways builders could make payments to fund community energy projects, such as wind farms and district heating schemes, to meet their obligations to reduce carbon emissions from new homes - this could give developers and councils more freedom and flexibility to decide how to meet their zero-carbon obligations.
Minimum standards for energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall insulation will also be set through future revisions to building regulations. These will be based on those revisions outlined in a recent consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes, which set key benchmarks for the sustainability of new homes.
Mr Shapps also confirmed the allocation of £600,000 to the Zero Carbon Hub to continue its work this year. The Hub has also been tasked with testing new benchmarks for carbon emission reductions.
Grant Shapps said:
"This is about meeting tough environmental standards, but not dictating how every home should be built. Councils and developers together are in the best position to decide how best to meet these standards, so we are looking at giving them the flexibility and a range of options to do this.
"We are committed to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016, and have the right mix of measures in place.
"First and foremost a zero carbon home must use as little energy as possible, which is why I will shortly announce a minimum standard for key energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation.
"And to ensure the benchmark for carbon emission reductions is both ambitious and achievable, I look forward to seeing the results of tests the Zero Carbon Hub will conduct over the next few months."
The full Written Ministerial Statement 'Zero Carbon-Homes' is available here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100727/wmstext/100727m0001.htm#10072727000016 (external link
Thought I would put this up here so that everyone can see what the UK are up to with zero carbon homes, I do like how Grant states he is going to "annouce a minimum standard for KEY energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation"
In light of just how cold it is getting it may be worthwhile for everyone to be thinking of updating their loft and cavity wall insulation - there are countless grants available at the moment and you will really feel the benefit. The energy saving trust has a helpline if you need advice on what grants may be available to you -0800 512 012.
Grant Shapps: New common sense code to build greener homes
| Published | 11 November 2010 |
|---|
Housing Minister Grant Shapps today published an improved green rating for new homes that will help deliver the next generation of green properties, which are built to the highest standards of sustainable design, and could reduce future utility bills by up to £2,250 a year in the most energy efficient homes.
The Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced in April 2007 as a standard to improve the overall sustainability of new homes. The Code scores against a star rating system, using one to six stars depending on how the property performs against categories such as energy use, waste, materials and water.
Mr Shapps said the Code has been updated to take into account the tougher new rules for energy efficiency in buildings, and help developers make new homes greener without getting bogged down in unnecessary 'gold plated' design features.
The Code, which has been updated after an extensive consultation with housebuilders and industry experts, will also make it easier for consumers and homeowners who want to grade the standard of their properties.
Grant Shapps said:
"Over a quarter of the country's carbon emissions come from our homes, and if we're serious about tackling climate change we need to reduce this. So I welcome these changes to the Code that bring it in line with the tough new rules for energy efficiency in the Building Regulations.
"We need greener homes, but I also want to make it easier to build the homes this country needs. Good building standards can only be effective if they are easy to understand, and only applied where they are appropriate. That's why the Code has been updated to iron out problems that have arisen over time, and streamlined so building standards can be used in a sensible way that suits the local situation.
"It's important house builders meet the standards local communities demand, but I'm determined to simplify the complicated processes they have to go through to achieve this. That's why I've pledged to tackle the 'alphabet soup' of standards and red tape that blight efforts to start new developments, and I will be working with industry to get this done."
The Code is rated from one to six, one being the entry level - above the level of the standard, mandatory Building Regulations - and six as highest, reflecting outstanding sustainable development.
In the first three years, nearly 8,000 homes have been completed to Code level standards. Ministers believe this figure is too low, partly because the current Code is too complicated and bureaucratic. The updated version will be a first step towards making it is easier for developers to deliver more green homes. The new Code's green rating system has been improved by:
- Aligning the Code with the latest developments in building regulations - it will now take into account, and in some cases go beyond, the tougher new Building Regulations to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. For example, a Code level 4 home will now be 25 per cent above this minimum standard. The new Code will also strongly incentivise the introduction of 'fabric energy efficiency standards', so developers can use building materials and techniques that improve the energy efficiency of new homes.
- Streamlining the Code and associated processes - to ensure that the Code is focused on the issues of greatest significance, instead of including unnecessary standards that duplicate existing regulations or create difficulties for developers. For example, there is now an exemption from the 'lifetime homes' standards for sites where it is too steep to apply, and the mandatory requirement for site waste management plans has been removed since it is required by other regulations.
- Resolving problems that have arisen in use of the Code - for example, clarifying parts of the Code that set standards for reducing the risk of flooding. Clear surface water management standards have now been set, enabling developers to understand exactly what is required.
This is fantastic news, its amazing to see that over 25% of our emmissions are coming from homes and that these new greener homes could save up to £2250 on energy bills which is brilliant and definately an incentive for people to go green and become more energy efficient.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Anyone can do an EPC?
"Now everyone can do an 'EPC' thanks to new phone app
Friday 27th August 2010In what sounds like bad news for the already beleaguered energy assessor industry, a new phone app is being launched which will give everyone the ability to audit and generate an A to G rating on any home.
A London firm called Qreative Medias is behind the application ‘Home Energy Performance’ which is available on the iPhone and iPad in the Apple Stores.It is thought users will be home owners, buyers, estate agents, letting agents and builders.The app not only delivers an energy rating but also recommendations and advice, with a pdf report.The report indicates the EPC score, including the A to G graph required under the EU directive. The app is available worldwide and in several different languages. However, a spokesman for Qreative Media said that whilst the app generates an EPC, exactly as a survey would do and in conformity with guidelines, it would not count as the 'real' thing in terms of requirements for selling or renting a property, as it is generated by the iPhone user and not by a registered and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
http://home-energy-performance.mobi"
The above story comes from http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=3468&title=Now_everyone_can_do_an_'EPC'_thanks_to_new_phone_app&type=news_features.
It may seem like an absolutely awful idea and the final death blow to all those people who spent their life savings/remortgaged their houses to become a fully trained accredited Domestic Energy Assessor but even the creaters of the software Qreative Media said that the app generates an EPC it DOES NOT count as the real thing. Plus in my mind unless the person who is using the app understands exactly what a DEA looks for and assesses then there is a large possibility of the data being collected incorrectly, entered incorrectly etc so it can never be a substitute for a real EPC. There is of course the possibility that the app may be used by some people to try and get away with not having a correctly done EPC by an accredited and trained DEA.
On the plus side if it gets people interested in EPCs and the fact that they can save money and energy that has to be counted as a positive.
Friday, 12 November 2010
The Green Deal, further info
"Thousands of new insulation workers will soon be hitting Britain’s streets as part of a national effort to make people’s homes warmer and cheaper to run. Chris Huhne, today said that by 2015 up to 100,000 Green Deal workers could be employed in the effort to upgrade Britain’s homes. Currently around 27,000 work in the insulation industry. Legislation to start the process of establishing the Green Deal is due to be introduced into Parliament next month.The Green Deal is the Government’s new and radical way of making energy efficiency available to all, whether people own or rent their property. The work to upgrade the property will be paid back from the saving on energy bills.Chris Huhne, visiting British Gas’ Energy Academy in Thatcham, said:“The Green Deal’s about making people feel as warm as toast in their homes. I want Britain to say goodbye forever to leaky lofts and chilly draughts. At a time of increasing gas prices energy efficiency is a no-brainer."
This is from the http://www.decc.gov.uk/ website. There is a leaflet on the Green Deal that is also available to download from this website which goes on to explain that 3.5 million homes will be insulated in the run up to the Green Deal.
Part of the leaflet states "Under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) the Government requires all major, domestic energy suppliers to make savings in the amount of CO2 emitted by households. CERT helps reduce energy demand; enhance the UK’s security of supply; reduce fuel poverty; and, secure jobs in energy efficiency industries. In June 2010 the new Government extended the scheme to ensure 3.5 million new homes can benefit by 2012, providing an additional 107 MtCO2 in carbon savings"
I can only hope that these "thousands of insulation workers" will be 1. regulated, 2. a thorough assessment of the required amount of insulation workers will take place, 3. training providers will be kept in check.
When I read further through I found this "Chris Huhne announces that “were all 26 million households to take up the Green Deal over the next 20 years, employment in the sector would rise from its current level of 27,000 to something approaching 250,000” I know I keep rabbiting on about this (sorry in advance) but please get a grip on the training providers - there are some fantastic ones out there (Elmhurst, SAVA, ECMK etc) but there are also the ones that are promising the moon and the stars and are giving the industry a bad name. Also (sorry soapbox again) cap the amount of people allowed to train for the green profession and set the fees like the Australian Government did.
The direct gov website is getting better - its still not positive enough for me, but compared to a year ago there are alot more details on there about how to save money when you move home. The website can be reached on this link http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Greenerlifeevents/DG_064436. It is a shame though that the EPC is only mentioned once on this page and then only very briefly. I did enjoy reading about the microgeneration technologies and it is explained simply so it doesn't get confusing.
This is from the http://www.decc.gov.uk/ website. There is a leaflet on the Green Deal that is also available to download from this website which goes on to explain that 3.5 million homes will be insulated in the run up to the Green Deal.
Part of the leaflet states "Under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) the Government requires all major, domestic energy suppliers to make savings in the amount of CO2 emitted by households. CERT helps reduce energy demand; enhance the UK’s security of supply; reduce fuel poverty; and, secure jobs in energy efficiency industries. In June 2010 the new Government extended the scheme to ensure 3.5 million new homes can benefit by 2012, providing an additional 107 MtCO2 in carbon savings"
I can only hope that these "thousands of insulation workers" will be 1. regulated, 2. a thorough assessment of the required amount of insulation workers will take place, 3. training providers will be kept in check.
When I read further through I found this "Chris Huhne announces that “were all 26 million households to take up the Green Deal over the next 20 years, employment in the sector would rise from its current level of 27,000 to something approaching 250,000” I know I keep rabbiting on about this (sorry in advance) but please get a grip on the training providers - there are some fantastic ones out there (Elmhurst, SAVA, ECMK etc) but there are also the ones that are promising the moon and the stars and are giving the industry a bad name. Also (sorry soapbox again) cap the amount of people allowed to train for the green profession and set the fees like the Australian Government did.
The direct gov website is getting better - its still not positive enough for me, but compared to a year ago there are alot more details on there about how to save money when you move home. The website can be reached on this link http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Greenerlifeevents/DG_064436. It is a shame though that the EPC is only mentioned once on this page and then only very briefly. I did enjoy reading about the microgeneration technologies and it is explained simply so it doesn't get confusing.
If
The most favourite toy is the one that all the children want - even if my 3 year old hasn't played with a toy for weeks the minute he sees his little brother playing with it he wants to play with it as well.
The same affect could work on EPCs - if 10% of buyers/renters started to look at EPCs and then negotiated on price due to the EPC or bought/rented a property with a good "grade" then the EPC would become a marketing asset.
If a good result on the EPC was a saleable part of a property then prices would be adjusted with the more energy efficient properties priced higher than those that are not so energy efficient.
If a property was worth more if it was energy efficient then more people would make alterations to their properties so that they were energy efficient - more insulation, better boiler, TRVs on the radiators, solar panels etc.
It could be a very benefical knock on effect.
There are alot of ifs involved with the thoughts above but if it happened it would be a fantastic result for the environment, energy efficiency, saving money and the global community as a whole.
The same affect could work on EPCs - if 10% of buyers/renters started to look at EPCs and then negotiated on price due to the EPC or bought/rented a property with a good "grade" then the EPC would become a marketing asset.
If a good result on the EPC was a saleable part of a property then prices would be adjusted with the more energy efficient properties priced higher than those that are not so energy efficient.
If a property was worth more if it was energy efficient then more people would make alterations to their properties so that they were energy efficient - more insulation, better boiler, TRVs on the radiators, solar panels etc.
It could be a very benefical knock on effect.
There are alot of ifs involved with the thoughts above but if it happened it would be a fantastic result for the environment, energy efficiency, saving money and the global community as a whole.
Rose Tinted Glasses
I look at the world sometimes through "rose tinted" glasses. I have spent the lottery winnings on 50+ occassions in my head/daydreams (the most I have ever won is £10). I started a new career as a self employed domestic energy assessor just as the recession started to hit the UK properly.
I am sure you can see the theme that does run through all of my life - I am hopeful at all times, I want to believe the best about people and always try and stay cheery.
But sometimes when I look closely at things like I have done over the past 2-3 weeks and I get to see a large picture I can get very frustrated!
I have seen all the promotion and brilliant websites in New Zealand, Sweden etc, all the grants available in France, Canada, the assessors friend in Australia - Christine Milne and the fact that they set the fees, the USA talking about how energy efficency will be another "granite worktop" and highly valued in a property and then we look at the UK.
We have a brilliant tool - the Energy Performance Certificate and we have accredited, CRB checked, domestic and commercial assessors who love their job. But we have a website that is dreary and little promotion of the EPC, we have training providers guaranteeing work that isn't there, we have undercutting on prices and devaluing of the assessment.
This is what I would like to see happen:
1. Fees set.
2. Training providers fined - and the fine published for all to see
3. A better website.
4. More grants available and they are promoted.
5. Energy efficency in a property is a marketable asset.
6. A champion for energy assessors.
7. Thorough promotion of the EPC and its value (and commercial EPCs)
Thats just the tip of my wish list but when you look at it it wouldn't be that hard to achieve and it would benefit so many. The UK is a country to be proud of but we need to promote ourselves better.
I am sure you can see the theme that does run through all of my life - I am hopeful at all times, I want to believe the best about people and always try and stay cheery.
But sometimes when I look closely at things like I have done over the past 2-3 weeks and I get to see a large picture I can get very frustrated!
I have seen all the promotion and brilliant websites in New Zealand, Sweden etc, all the grants available in France, Canada, the assessors friend in Australia - Christine Milne and the fact that they set the fees, the USA talking about how energy efficency will be another "granite worktop" and highly valued in a property and then we look at the UK.
We have a brilliant tool - the Energy Performance Certificate and we have accredited, CRB checked, domestic and commercial assessors who love their job. But we have a website that is dreary and little promotion of the EPC, we have training providers guaranteeing work that isn't there, we have undercutting on prices and devaluing of the assessment.
This is what I would like to see happen:
1. Fees set.
2. Training providers fined - and the fine published for all to see
3. A better website.
4. More grants available and they are promoted.
5. Energy efficency in a property is a marketable asset.
6. A champion for energy assessors.
7. Thorough promotion of the EPC and its value (and commercial EPCs)
Thats just the tip of my wish list but when you look at it it wouldn't be that hard to achieve and it would benefit so many. The UK is a country to be proud of but we need to promote ourselves better.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Comparisons
Its easy as a parent to get dragged into the whole my child is doing this earlier than your child routine, it doesn't do anyone any favours and sometimes can leave you feeling very negative about your own parenting skills.
Having just been to my eldests parents evening (shes doing very well, am proud) I was thinking on the way home about comparing countries.......... over the past few days I have looked at what other countries are doing, putting into practice, the websites (I still love Swedens website) and their promises and it has made me think of what its like when you compare children - nobody benefits and you can end up feeling negative when in fact there are things you should be proud of.
Every child develops at a different rate just as every country changes and implements new laws at different rates. The important thing is to praise what is good - if you complain/nag all the time it won't get anywhere.
So I am very proud of the EPC that the UK has in place, there are things that I would change but on the whole we are getting there. I am proud of what all the other countries are doing and it is impressive and encouraging to see what changes are occuring.
But I would still like to see some more changes - greater promotion of the EPC, better website, no interest loans available, available grants promoted more (this would also help stop the current winter scam) and more working together with other countries to see what we can all learn from each other - there is never any point in teaching your grandmother to suck eggs as the saying goes but we can all work together to improve our own countries.
Having just been to my eldests parents evening (shes doing very well, am proud) I was thinking on the way home about comparing countries.......... over the past few days I have looked at what other countries are doing, putting into practice, the websites (I still love Swedens website) and their promises and it has made me think of what its like when you compare children - nobody benefits and you can end up feeling negative when in fact there are things you should be proud of.
Every child develops at a different rate just as every country changes and implements new laws at different rates. The important thing is to praise what is good - if you complain/nag all the time it won't get anywhere.
So I am very proud of the EPC that the UK has in place, there are things that I would change but on the whole we are getting there. I am proud of what all the other countries are doing and it is impressive and encouraging to see what changes are occuring.
But I would still like to see some more changes - greater promotion of the EPC, better website, no interest loans available, available grants promoted more (this would also help stop the current winter scam) and more working together with other countries to see what we can all learn from each other - there is never any point in teaching your grandmother to suck eggs as the saying goes but we can all work together to improve our own countries.
Jealousy and healthy competition
I admit it I am jealous - I am jealous of the fact that Germany have publicly said they want to be the world leaders in energy saving, I am jealous of the website that Sweden have and how active their promotion is, I am jealous that Australia has someone like Christine Milne and that they set the fees for the assessments.
It should be competition and spurring other countries on, the UK should be looking at what Australia has done - the setting the fees and the promotion and emphasise on the changes that should be made to housing and making the same changes. Lets face it - while the EPC contains recommendations only not many people are going to spend their money on doing the work especially in the middle of the credit crunch. There should be a website like Sweden has available in the UK - easy to understand, well written, explanations there for all to see and lots of useful advice.
There are alot of changes to be made and I remain hopeful that a little jealousy and healthy competition will spur other countries on to better things, making the necessary changes and doing all their can for the global community.
It should be competition and spurring other countries on, the UK should be looking at what Australia has done - the setting the fees and the promotion and emphasise on the changes that should be made to housing and making the same changes. Lets face it - while the EPC contains recommendations only not many people are going to spend their money on doing the work especially in the middle of the credit crunch. There should be a website like Sweden has available in the UK - easy to understand, well written, explanations there for all to see and lots of useful advice.
There are alot of changes to be made and I remain hopeful that a little jealousy and healthy competition will spur other countries on to better things, making the necessary changes and doing all their can for the global community.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Energy efficiency in the USA?
I was browsing through the internet again (not really I have a bee in my bonnet now about finding out what other countries are doing re EPCs) and found this blog: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2010/11/energy-efficiency-real-estates-next-granite-counter-top
" Often on the vanguard, Boston-based Conservation Services Group is working on an idea to make home efficiency more tangible. It is a surprisingly simple idea. One that is likely to leave a lot of people saying, ‘Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?’
You might say CSG is making energy efficiency the next granite kitchen counter top of the real estate business.
Through a $348,000 grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, CSG is working on a metric to describe a home’s energy efficiency value. When a homeowner lists a house for sale, the metric would be included in the multiple listing service (MLS), right along with the home’s price, number of bedrooms, square-footage and location. Suddenly, efficiency is tangible, something that can be quantified and can add or detract to home value.It’s not yet clear what that metric will look like. It might be a numerical score or a certification like the Energy Star label. Figuring that out is part of CSG’s task, as it puts in place a program for New York over the next two years. “You can imagine the pitfalls in establishing what this score would be,” said David Weitz, director of CSG’s Applied Building Science Division. “How do you present it in a way that is accessible to the greatest number of people. Unfortunately, there is no right answer.”
Well there is an answer - look at what the UK has had in place since 2007 and what Australia is putting into place in 2011. Talk to Elmhurst (based nr Lutterworth, Leicestershire) who are incredibly forward thinking and have been in the industry since the year dot. Or pick up a phone/write an email and talk to me (power of positive thinking - or wishful thinking).
I blogged today about the problems Australia is currently undergoing and the fact that training providers are still lurking all around the UK, the UK also don't know at the moment what will happen with the home energy advisors (please let it be open for DEAs first and only) and am now hoping that America does learn from what has happened here and in Australia and doesn't let training providers run riot, caps the amount of assessors there can be, promoted the energy assessment thoroughly and sets the fee to stop undercutting etc.
Energy efficency can be tangible, it is a selling point and it should be valued more than it is.
" Often on the vanguard, Boston-based Conservation Services Group is working on an idea to make home efficiency more tangible. It is a surprisingly simple idea. One that is likely to leave a lot of people saying, ‘Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?’
You might say CSG is making energy efficiency the next granite kitchen counter top of the real estate business.
Through a $348,000 grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, CSG is working on a metric to describe a home’s energy efficiency value. When a homeowner lists a house for sale, the metric would be included in the multiple listing service (MLS), right along with the home’s price, number of bedrooms, square-footage and location. Suddenly, efficiency is tangible, something that can be quantified and can add or detract to home value.It’s not yet clear what that metric will look like. It might be a numerical score or a certification like the Energy Star label. Figuring that out is part of CSG’s task, as it puts in place a program for New York over the next two years. “You can imagine the pitfalls in establishing what this score would be,” said David Weitz, director of CSG’s Applied Building Science Division. “How do you present it in a way that is accessible to the greatest number of people. Unfortunately, there is no right answer.”
Well there is an answer - look at what the UK has had in place since 2007 and what Australia is putting into place in 2011. Talk to Elmhurst (based nr Lutterworth, Leicestershire) who are incredibly forward thinking and have been in the industry since the year dot. Or pick up a phone/write an email and talk to me (power of positive thinking - or wishful thinking).
I blogged today about the problems Australia is currently undergoing and the fact that training providers are still lurking all around the UK, the UK also don't know at the moment what will happen with the home energy advisors (please let it be open for DEAs first and only) and am now hoping that America does learn from what has happened here and in Australia and doesn't let training providers run riot, caps the amount of assessors there can be, promoted the energy assessment thoroughly and sets the fee to stop undercutting etc.
Energy efficency can be tangible, it is a selling point and it should be valued more than it is.
Eco friendly houses
So are eco friendly houses a blot on the landscape? Will they make you cringe as you drive past them regardless of how energy efficent and self sufficent they may be? Or could they be individually designed properties that look stunning and save you money on your energy bills?
I have had a quick search on the internet to see what I could find on eco friendly houses and what they look like and have been amazed at the results I have found. There are some incredibly stunning properties that make me green with envy simply because of the design of the building and that was before I got to see how energy efficent these properties were.
One of the most breath taking properties has been built at Playa Carate, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica, created by Robles Arquitectos and is 100% self-sufficient. The house uses water from the forest, which also serves as a power source thanks to two low-impact hydroelectric turbines that generate 800kWh. Photovoltaic Solar panels on the roof provide up to 10,800kWh of electricity, whilst additional solar thermal panels heat up the water. The house is so isolated from civilization that it has no access to public power cables, sanitation, or water.Everything in the house has been designed to be energy efficient and easy to maintain, and all the building materials were tested in order to gauge their impact on the environment.
There was a fascinating photo of a house built of glass bottles in Nevada, the air in the bottles acts as insulation and that was constructed in the 1920s!
Going straight from the 1920s' into the present day would take us to the fabulous village currently under construction in Dubai - "Dubai's Vertical Village", consisting of residential, hotel and entertainment facilities, is covered in an impressive array of solar panels. The construction is expected to earn an impressive LEED Gold certification when it is completed. Each building is positioned to reduce the heat from sun exposure—whilst the massive bed of solar collectors on the south side of the building automatically adjust orientation to the sun's position for maximum efficiency. The village also features a solar roof that helps to transport energy and break the solar field up into more manageable segments.
A lovely website, http://www.livingvillage.com/Home.html, is all about The Wintles in Shropshire which was set up to research eco building and sustainable communities. Its a very good website and shows it is possible to practise what you preach!
Have actually found a website dedicated to the sale of eco friendly properties:- http://www.greenmoves.com/ and then there is this website:- http://www.thelittlehousecompany.co.uk/eco-friendly-homes.htm which goes on to explain how to stay green when buying and selling a home and has a page full of advice on how to do it.
So it is possible to build properties that are "eco friendly" and that don't scare the neighbours, I for one am looking forward to seeing more of them.
I have had a quick search on the internet to see what I could find on eco friendly houses and what they look like and have been amazed at the results I have found. There are some incredibly stunning properties that make me green with envy simply because of the design of the building and that was before I got to see how energy efficent these properties were.
One of the most breath taking properties has been built at Playa Carate, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica, created by Robles Arquitectos and is 100% self-sufficient. The house uses water from the forest, which also serves as a power source thanks to two low-impact hydroelectric turbines that generate 800kWh. Photovoltaic Solar panels on the roof provide up to 10,800kWh of electricity, whilst additional solar thermal panels heat up the water. The house is so isolated from civilization that it has no access to public power cables, sanitation, or water.Everything in the house has been designed to be energy efficient and easy to maintain, and all the building materials were tested in order to gauge their impact on the environment.
There was a fascinating photo of a house built of glass bottles in Nevada, the air in the bottles acts as insulation and that was constructed in the 1920s!
Going straight from the 1920s' into the present day would take us to the fabulous village currently under construction in Dubai - "Dubai's Vertical Village", consisting of residential, hotel and entertainment facilities, is covered in an impressive array of solar panels. The construction is expected to earn an impressive LEED Gold certification when it is completed. Each building is positioned to reduce the heat from sun exposure—whilst the massive bed of solar collectors on the south side of the building automatically adjust orientation to the sun's position for maximum efficiency. The village also features a solar roof that helps to transport energy and break the solar field up into more manageable segments.
A lovely website, http://www.livingvillage.com/Home.html, is all about The Wintles in Shropshire which was set up to research eco building and sustainable communities. Its a very good website and shows it is possible to practise what you preach!
Have actually found a website dedicated to the sale of eco friendly properties:- http://www.greenmoves.com/ and then there is this website:- http://www.thelittlehousecompany.co.uk/eco-friendly-homes.htm which goes on to explain how to stay green when buying and selling a home and has a page full of advice on how to do it.
So it is possible to build properties that are "eco friendly" and that don't scare the neighbours, I for one am looking forward to seeing more of them.
Middlemen v's the self employed DEA
If I had to get an EPC for my property I must admit I would probably either go with the estate agent who I was selling/letting my property through or, as many people would, just google EPC.
The minute you put EPC into a search engine you get 1000s' of results - training providers (bah humbug) and the middlemen and further down the self employed DEA.
The middlemen advertise well - they have the funds for it and probably a marketing manager. Self employed DEAs don't have the flashy website or the high ranking on the page.
The middlemen are offering EPCs at £39. The DEAs are offering to quote you a price.
The middlemen have a place for you to order now. The DEAs want you to ring or email.
The middlemen can take card payment. The self employed DEA can often not accept card payment.
So which option do you choose? Looking at it like that its probably easier to chose the middleman.
BUT.....................
The middleman charges you VAT and you are put through to a call centre if you have any queries. The self employed DEA probably doesn't earn enough to be VAT registered and you speak directly with the professional DEA for any queries. The DEA contacts you directly and organises everything with you.
The price the self employed DEA quotes is a final figure no hidden extras, the middleman is charging you VAT.
In the long run, although it is probably an extra 10 minutes work you will get a better final price from the self employed DEA, a more customer focused service, professional, NO call centre and better local knowledge. So when you look at it like that it is better to spend that extra time and get the better service and better price from a local self employed DEA.
The minute you put EPC into a search engine you get 1000s' of results - training providers (bah humbug) and the middlemen and further down the self employed DEA.
The middlemen advertise well - they have the funds for it and probably a marketing manager. Self employed DEAs don't have the flashy website or the high ranking on the page.
The middlemen are offering EPCs at £39. The DEAs are offering to quote you a price.
The middlemen have a place for you to order now. The DEAs want you to ring or email.
The middlemen can take card payment. The self employed DEA can often not accept card payment.
So which option do you choose? Looking at it like that its probably easier to chose the middleman.
BUT.....................
The middleman charges you VAT and you are put through to a call centre if you have any queries. The self employed DEA probably doesn't earn enough to be VAT registered and you speak directly with the professional DEA for any queries. The DEA contacts you directly and organises everything with you.
The price the self employed DEA quotes is a final figure no hidden extras, the middleman is charging you VAT.
In the long run, although it is probably an extra 10 minutes work you will get a better final price from the self employed DEA, a more customer focused service, professional, NO call centre and better local knowledge. So when you look at it like that it is better to spend that extra time and get the better service and better price from a local self employed DEA.
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