HIP,s

gerryonihub

Definately go for an independant - estate agent deal is not free - look closley at the terms. Whoever you choose make sure its a Local independant. Many Independant DEA are now offering full HIPs and worth looking at seriously - but make sure they have the necessary insurance's in place.

Although i would not recommend it, you can do a DIY HIP. - Depending on which council, the price can be as low as circa £275 (assuming an EPC of circa £120) - If interested then our Energy Assessor site has a good guide. www.cntv.co.uk and can recommend assessors in the Midlands region.

Evee2000 - sorry, but gov have not laid commencement order, yes there are rumours, but only rumours. A recent rumour was that it was to be previous week.

chriserenity

Agreed, estate agent HIP deals I have read include the following problems:

Clause to tie you in to expensive conveyancing
Free but cost added on to fee at end (so not free )
Free until you become unhappy with the agent then they charge you full price if you want to take your HIP with you to a rival agent.

Thats not to say there isn't fair estate agent HIP provision out there, like someone just posted you have to read the small print.

Independent inspectors do indeed now offer HIPs direct to the public often at 'trade price' i.e. same as they charge the agents. There are various places to find such individuals. Easiest way is just go to Google or similar and type your nearest major town and 'HIP' or 'EPC' - should get plenty of results.

To check quality make sure the assessor is accredited (by searching for them here: https://www.hcrregister.com/FindAssessorInspector) HIPs should ideally be HIP code complient.