Home energy surveys. Can a sparky do them?

[ProDave]

You know, the home energy efficiency report you have to have now for renting a property. It's just a single piece of paper that rates your houses energy efficiency on a scale like you get on a washing machine.

I've just had somebody phone me and ask if I can do so, because somebody (the letting agent?) told them "an electrician can do it"

I'm sure I could if I could find a simple formula that took into account the wall thickness, insulation materials, heating system etc.

Is this possible, or does it have to be done by a qualified surveyor?

 

[Andy™]

your probably too qualified to do them.

id imagine you probably could if you done a course and paid some energy efficiency scam provider

 

[PC Electrics]

I like that idea Pro. Could be a nice little earner for those spare hours on the way home, or instead of watching the kids footy! I'll ask the agents that I do work for.

 

[Sidewinder]

I would say that anyone competent can do them as long as they have the PI for it!

Mind as above there is probably a scam provider.

 

[ProDave]

Yes I'm keen to find out.

These energy certificates are about as useful as a chocolate tea pot. Firstly I doubt any prospective tenants bother to take notice. When was the last time you heard a tenant saying he's looking for an A rated home to rent?

But secondly I genuinely believe they are not accurate. I'm convinced it's a simple formula with things like solid / cavity / insulated cavity wall, loft insulation, single/ double glazed etc and from that makes a very rough estimate of efficiency.

I do know that houses with electric heating of any sort get marked down for that.

If there is no legal reason why these reports can't be done by anyone, then It's a service I would like to offer to a couple of rental agents I know. Next time I see them I will quizz them.

I know the "professionals" charge about

 

[steptoe]

probably a lot like when you get a mortgage survey done,

basically if there really is something wrong with this house and I have missed it then its not my fault.

about all my survey said was there is a motorway within so far of the rear of the property,

NO POO SHERLOCK.!

 

[wozz]

i looked into it a while ago, expensive training, need a scam provider of sorts and some expensive software. The market is flooded with people doing them thinking they would earn their fortune, shop around and you can get them for not alot, go fit a couple of lights and earn the same

 

[NozSpark]

TBH I would think that the market is saturated with people who are doing this... just think of all those people who trained up for this thinking that the "Home buyers report" would be a cash cow!!!

 

[PaulSC]

Hi Dave,

Don't forget the HIP has now been scrapped as a legal requirement when selling your house (in England and Wales). If you think the Part P scheme's are a scam, you should see the HIP training providers. After been made redundant a few years ago, I was gnat's whisker away from 'investing' nearly

 

[ProDave]

Here's my answer

"A certificate can only be issued by a qualified inspector as part of the Home Report. Such energy inspectors must be registered with an approved organisation as specified below. Approved Organisations currently include:

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Scotland (CIBSE Scotland), The Association of Building Engineers (ABE), The Energy Institute (EI), The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association (HVCA), Building Research Establishment (BRE), National Energy Services (NES), Elmhurst and CIH Scotland."

So need to join a scam provider and pay them some dosh first, and no doubt before you do that you have to do an expensive course.

 

[steptoe]

do HVAC, at least it will be something you can use in the D"D and then you will be able to join HVCA I would think,

I done a few HVAC courses in the day so I think you would be OK with them, it will also open up your 9-5 work as well.