Free insulation scam? Worried!

Luckya

I've had a man and lady round today regarding insulation and cavity walls. The first thing he said was were not burglars and then started going on about the area and how it's free insulation as we don't have gas here. He came back when my bf was in, we have a weimaraner dog and we put her in the back and let them in as we do want it, he asked if he could meet the dog and I always read things on facebook about people marking your house for dogs for dog fighting so that's in my head now and I'm panicking! Anyway he looked out back and to see if the outhouse attached to our house was suitable for cavity walls and he said not cos it's a single brick, he then went into the loft with my partner and came down, the girl asked to use my toilet and I let her and she wasn't long but we have floor boards so I'd know if she went in any other rooms. He took photos of the house outside and said someone would call tomorrow, they were from green energy brokers ltd but the surveyor form was for concept insulation. I'm not sure if they just use them and they just find the world, I'm not sure but I'm panicking incase my dogs get stolen when I'm
At work!!!! I googled the mans name and he is from malton like he said, oh he smelt like alcohol too so when I found the article of him owning money for fines and e was caught drinking and driving I was a little relived cos it sounded like him haha and that he said he worked on commission doing insulation and glazing. Legit?? Should I be worried?

groovyf

I had free wall cavity insulation done a couple of months ago. I was sceptical at first when my neighbour told me he'd had someone round offering the free deal (he was told they were doing the whole street). Naturally, I thought scam at first! However, it was indeed the real deal... someone came to size up the house interior and exterior, then a week later I had someone come an inspect & redo the house EPC. A further week or so later, the guys were round doing the cavity insulation.
I was told the scheme was now covering certain types of houses/builds that weren't included before.
The company doing the actual insulation were based in Preston if I recall, and were coming over to my area (and surroundings) in Halifax each day to do the work.

For reference, the initial check was done by Polar Insulation, based in Blackpool
The guys doing the cavity insulation were The Insulation Group, based in Preston.

Overall, I was happy with what was done as it saved me a bag of cash - I estimate it would have cost me around £800 if I'd have paid for it myself. Strangely good timing too, as it was something I had in mind to do.

Luckya

That makes me feel better he said someone will call tomorrow and then a company will come and make sure we can have it like he said and then two weeks or so they'll come and do the insulation. I just read things online and when he asked about meeting my dog I freaked out cos I heard of dog napping for fighting etc and we live in a reall small village. I'm maybe just paranoid haha thank you, it makes me feel better knowing you've had it
And similar case

jimmyboy420

I had a company cxalled Brand Extension do free cavity wall insulation. Seemed fine, though I'm yet to get my CIGA certificate, which I've had to chase

captainhindsight_2

There is a scheme called Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) which is providing free insulation, but be wary because their are companies scamming people.

To offer the free insulation the company has to be a registered Green Deal Installer and can be looked up here.

Consecpt Insulation is registered so it sounds legit

thenudeone

There are a number of schemes under which free insulation is provided (effectively paid for by the utility companies). This can cover low income households, deprived areas (regardless of the household's income), and "hard to treat" properties including 3-story houses and stone or other unusual cavities.

I have just had cavity and loft insulation provided completely free under these schemes.

But rather than than letting the first stranger who knocks on your door take the business, I'd suggest you go through the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 (http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Take-action/Find-a-grant/Green-Deal-and-ECO#eco) who will assess your circumstances over the phone and put an installer in touch with you.

captainhindsight_2

thenudeone wrote: »

There are a number of schemes under which free insulation is provided (effectively paid for by the utility companies). This can cover low income households, deprived areas (regardless of the household's income), and "hard to treat"

Yea its called energy companies obligation (ECO), with three sub targets CERO CISCO and HHCRO.

Also you may aswell let them have the work, it make no difference who does it along as they are a registered Green Deal Installer. Chances are if you call energy savings trust they will give it to them anyway...

thenudeone

If I was going to let people in my house to do work, I would rather it wasn't someone who turned up at my house unannounced.

captainhindsight_2

Seeing as the op would never had know about the scheme if it wasn't for them it seems only fair to give them the work seeing as they are a legitimate green deal installer.