Official Free Boilers and Insulation guide discussion

captainhindsight_2

Buttmonkey wrote: »

I checked online with British Gas today to see if I would qualify and ticked all the boxes. They rang within 10 mins and went through a few checks including checking the most recent EPC which supposedly stated we already had cavity insulation. This was a surprise to me as we'd had some work done before moving in and none was present. I was advised to contact the person who had done the survey and get back to them if it proved incorrect as we couldn't proceed.
I rechecked the EPC myself and it has "assumed" at the end of the sentence which British Gas had failed to say. Now I know that EPC surveyors are actually only in your house for 15 mins max and don't do any drilling what so ever to check, they base it on age of property, visual evidence that it's been put in or feedback from the owner.
I'm waiting on this person to get back and we'll see what happens. I'll report back on what British Gas say once I ring them back but keep that in mind.

The only way you can get around this, is to have a new EPC by someone who can carry out a borescope survey of your caivity.

Check out some smaller installer companies they will usually do this and charge you for the survey then reimburse you if you do not have insulation and they fit the insulation.

evilgiraf

Buttmonkey wrote: »

I checked online with British Gas today to see if I would qualify and ticked all the boxes. They rang within 10 mins and went through a few checks including checking the most recent EPC which supposedly stated we already had cavity insulation. This was a surprise to me as we'd had some work done before moving in and none was present. I was advised to contact the person who had done the survey and get back to them if it proved incorrect as we couldn't proceed.
I rechecked the EPC myself and it has "assumed" at the end of the sentence which British Gas had failed to say. Now I know that EPC surveyors are actually only in your house for 15 mins max and don't do any drilling what so ever to check, they base it on age of property, visual evidence that it's been put in or feedback from the owner.
I'm waiting on this person to get back and we'll see what happens. I'll report back on what British Gas say once I ring them back but keep that in mind.

I have EXACTLY the same issue: I made a quick check near the loft hatch and the insulation was definitely <50mm and throughout from what I could tell but the EPC states "Cavity wall, as built, insulated (assumed)" "Pitched, 200mm loft insulation (assumed)".

I have since spoken with the company that performed the EPC back in 2010 and they would be happy to come back to redo the EPC at a charge but suggested that they would NOT inspect the cavity.

Where do I stand? If British Gas won't send someone to inspect the property with the current EPC but I suspect the EPC is incorrect should I get the original company back again?

zeeshyt

Hi I'm a landlord, and I have a property that has been empty for atlest 8 months and I needed a new boiler in it, as the old one does not work, however I cannot afford to buy a new one, and I was wondering if there are any government funded schemes that may be able to help me out, I also receive child benefits and working tax credit,

Thank you in advance

captainhindsight_2

zeeshyt wrote: »

Hi I'm a landlord, and I have a property that has been empty for atlest 8 months and I needed a new boiler in it, as the old one does not work, however I cannot afford to buy a new one, and I was wondering if there are any government funded schemes that may be able to help me out, I also receive child benefits and working tax credit,

Thank you in advance

There is hhcro but you can only claim this for a Property you live in not rent out.

Cashback scheme coming, full details are yet to be released which would be better suited to the situation.

Buttmonkey

Buttmonkey wrote: »

I checked online with British Gas today to see if I would qualify and ticked all the boxes. They rang within 10 mins and went through a few checks including checking the most recent EPC which supposedly stated we already had cavity insulation. This was a surprise to me as we'd had some work done before moving in and none was present. I was advised to contact the person who had done the survey and get back to them if it proved incorrect as we couldn't proceed.
I rechecked the EPC myself and it has "assumed" at the end of the sentence which British Gas had failed to say. Now I know that EPC surveyors are actually only in your house for 15 mins max and don't do any drilling what so ever to check, they base it on age of property, visual evidence that it's been put in or feedback from the owner.
I'm waiting on this person to get back and we'll see what happens. I'll report back on what British Gas say once I ring them back but keep that in mind.

So I got a mail back from the person who did the survey. He did confirm they can't do any physical inspection and that it is assumed based on visual inspection or feedback from the current owner. As the owner at the time told him it was a mid 80's house this is why this was recorded. I advised him this was incorrect and he asked for anything I had to prove this was incorrect. I had a copy of the land registry document when the house was first issued to the first owner and provided him a copy. In response, he agreed that it was highly unlikely that our house had cavity insulation but the current EPC couldn't be amended although I did have an email agreeing that the EPC was wrong.
I have contacted British Gas today and although at first they seemed to suggest that they would have to go by the EPC, after a chat with her colleague, they have processed my application. They didn't even ask for the email chain with the surveyor.
So if your EPC is wrong, you could do as I have done, they may just process anyway without further evidence. After all, their surveyor is going to investigate in more detail I'm sure before they agree to any work going ahead.
Be warned though, first available appointment for me is MARCH so you're not going to get anything done soon.

Aidspa

We had British Gas install free insulation fitted in August. In the East Kent area. Whilst I thought we were getting a bargain, I didn't expect the workmen to cut away and steal 12ft of copper pipe in the process. After complaining to British Gas who were less than concerned and having the police involved. I still am awaiting for a response from British Gas of the outcome of my complaint.

Also although my loft space is only 25m2 the workmen on the day stated they installed 48m2. With British Gas having to meet government quotas in regards to reducing its carbon footprint. I am wondering if there are any one else who has noticed any discrepancies in British Gas figures.


If they have made up the figures for the Ofgem by over estimating the insulation used and Co2 saved, they could have got out of millions of pounds worth of fines, and their customers would not notice as they have had something for free so why question it.

snowagain

I was pleased with my cheap loft insulation. Warmer and cheaper ? Well, warmer, yes but cheaper ? It might be eventually, but no-one told me that the rafters would be dripping with the condensation which was caused by the insulation. This water compressed the insulation onto which it fell. Fortunately, I noticed it before any damage was done.
The cost of increasing the ventilation to prevent condensation was £1,330.

creditcritter

where are you based i may be able to help if you qualify

Richie-from-the-Boro

creditcritter wrote: »

where are you based i may be able to help if you qualify

- Last Activity: Today 6:46 PM, Current Activity: Private Messaging

- maybe i could advise you i am an expert in this field

- where are you based i may be able to help if you qualify

Members of MSE, many of whom are older and vulnerable should never ever contact any one off board and out of sight of the moderators and other members who can protect you. Never ever make contact with any poster, and never ever give an address - phone number - or bank account details - or any personal information. Protect yourself. - 'creditcritter' should contact the Forum Team on the TRHS of this screen and ask permission to advertise your services as an """expert""", your company and / or / post your company's views to the MSE client base on these forums.

Smiley_Dan

snowagain wrote: »

I was pleased with my cheap loft insulation. Warmer and cheaper ? Well, warmer, yes but cheaper ? It might be eventually, but no-one told me that the rafters would be dripping with the condensation which was caused by the insulation. This water compressed the insulation onto which it fell. Fortunately, I noticed it before any damage was done.
The cost of increasing the ventilation to prevent condensation was £1,330.

The insulation did not cause the condensation. Poor ventilation in the roof space and excess humidity caused the condensation; it was just revealed because you stopped wasting heat into your unheated loft space which lowered the temperature and you hit dew point.

Hopefully the insulation was not ruined by the water?