Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?
The Energy Performance Certificate for a freehold residential property is valid for a period of 12 months after the date it is produced.
If the Energy Performance Certificate is for a rental property the document will be valid for a period of ten years providing the tenancy agreement doesn’t change.
2. Will I need to be at the property to let you in to carry out the Domestic Energy Assessment, Home Condition Report or Home Condition Survey?
We would rather you be present whilst we conduct our inspection so please bear this in mind when making the appointment.
3. I'm putting together my own Home Information Pack; can I order my Energy Performance Certificate or Home Condition Report from you directly?
Yes, to order from us directly either call us on the numbers above, email us at info@centralnrg.com or send your enquiry to us by clicking on the contact us link and completing the form, we will then arrange an appointment that is convenient for you.
4. How long will the survey take?
The Domestic Energy Assessment will normally take approximately an hour dependent on how many extensions are present and the size and complexity of the property.
A Home Condition Report or Home Condition Survey will normally take about three to four hours, again dependent on how many extensions are present and the size and complexity of the property.
5. How can I check you are suitably qualified?
Confirmation of our Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors credentials can be found by searching for us on the Landmark website. For your peace of mind they all have up to date CRB checks, are fully insured and carry ID cards.
6. If I am unhappy with an aspect of your service, how can I make a complaint?
Please get in touch with us and we'll try our best to resolve the problem. If you prefer, we also have a complaints procedure which will be sent out to you on request.
7. I live in a conservation area; will the report recommend improvements I'm not allowed to make?
Don't worry we don't make inappropriate recommendations which conflict with conservation regulations. We are aware of the location of conservation areas and their boundaries in our operating area.
8. Which areas do you cover?
We cover the whole of Yorkshire but we can provide Home Condition Reports, Home Condition Surveys, Energy Performance Certificates and Home Information Packs nationwide if required.
9. What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
This is a document that shows the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property.
10. What is a Home Condition Report?
A Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of the property, which sellers, buyers and lenders will be able to rely on legally as an accurate report and is requested by a seller to be included in the Home Information Pack.
11. What is a Home Condition Survey?
A Home Condition Survey contains information about the physical condition of the property, which sellers, buyers and lenders will be able to rely on legally as an accurate report and is requested by a buyer.
12. What is a Home Information Pack and what does it include?
A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a set of information which must be assembled prior to marketing a residential property for sale. The vast majority of this information was already required in the process of buying a property except this has now been moved to the beginning of the process instead of the end.
The Home Information Pack has been introduced in an effort to speed up and improve the process of buying and selling residential property in England and Wales. The pack contains the following documents and can be divided into mandatory and optional documents:
Mandatory Documents:
a). The index is a list of documents contained within the Home Information Pack.
b). The Energy Performance Certificate is a document that shows the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property.
c). The Sale Statement is a summary of the terms of sale for the property.
d). The Land Registry Title and Plan identify the parcel of land being sold and who owns the land and therefore has a right to sell it. If the property is not registered at Land Registry further documentation will be required.
e). Local Authority Searches will show what has happened to the property in the past and what is likely to affect the property in the future.
f). Water & Drainage Searches advise who delivers fresh water and removes foul water from the property as well as other information.
g). Leasehold and commonhold documents if applicable.
Optional Documents:
a). A Home Condition Report.
b). Work Carried Out, i.e. receipts, certificates and documents that relate to relevant works done on the property.
c). Details of Deed variations or rectifications etc.
d). Home Contents Forms that detail the various services and components of the property to be sold, as well as detailing which fixtures and fittings will be included in the sale.
e). Home Contents Forms will show general information about the property to be sold, e.g. boundaries, access rights, changes to the property etc. Further details are available upon request.
If you have a question which was not answered in our FAQ, please don't hesitate to contact us.