VAT on insulation materials (from 1 April 2022)

Jollyhg

Hello, apologies if this post slightly repeats others on the forum but I'm struggling to find a definitive answer.  During March 2022 I obtained a quote from a reputable local firm to re-insulate the roof of my 1960's chalet bungalow, replacing the existing "fluffy" insulation with YBS breather membrane.  This effectively is a new roof, a big job and quite expensive but ok as long as it improves the energy efficiency of my house.  Following the Chancellor's announcement re VAT on insulation materials effective 1st April, I phoned the firm and asked what impact the VAT change would have on my quote.  They said none as the changes hadn't "filtered through to them yet".  This caused me to take a closer look at my estimate and raises a few questions in my mind:

1. The quote gives a full price for the whole job and does not break down costs for labour v materials.  They have applied 20% VAT on the whole quote rather than the pre-1 April 5% on the insulation material itself (assuming this accounts for less than 40% of the total cost ex VAT.  I can't tell from the quote but based on the other aspects of the job I would think so).  Shouldn't the firm break the quote down correctly and charge the relevant VAT on each element?
2. Assuming firms are obliged to charge the correct rate of VAT from the time it becomes effective (i.e. 0% from 1 April 2022), how do I get them to do this?  I've got two links to govt websites which spell out the new changes which I can send them but if they refuse is there further action I can take?  Seems a bit like a trading standards issue to me.

When I raised the matter with the person on the phone they said it won't make much difference anyway (not the point!).  I'm a bit surprised at the attitude as they are a well established firm and I've used them before and been pleased with them so I'd like to go with them again but not if they are taking the mickey over VAT.

Any suggestions please?
Thank you!

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have a read HERE, might help explain.

FreeBear

Jollyhg said: During March 2022 I obtained a quote from a reputable local firm to re-insulate the roof of my 1960's chalet bungalow, replacing the existing "fluffy" insulation with YBS breather membrane.  This effectively is a new roof, a big job and quite expensive but ok as long as it improves the energy efficiency of my house.

If you are using this YBS stuff under the tiles in place of (breathable) felt, you are insulating the wrong part of the loft space - Lofts are naturally cold and draughty (well ventilated) to keep damp at bay and prevent rot attacking the roof timbers. The only time you insulate at the rafter level is when doing a loft conversion. At that point, materials such as YBS quilts are totally insufficient to meet the requirements of Building Regulations.

If you are hoping to have a nice warm home after ripping out (200mm ?) of fibreglass insulation and replacing it with a YBS quilt, I'm afraid you will be severely disappointed. Just comparing the performance of the two types of insulation shows a massive difference... R-Value - The bigger the number, the better a product is.

YBS BreatherQuilt - quoted r-value 1.62m²K/W

200mm fibreglass - quoted r-value 4.65m²K/W

Ripping out perfectly good insulation at ceiling level (where it is most effective) and replacing it with a thin layer at rafter level is pure folly - Should Building Control be involved, they will (hopefully) reject it and refuse to sign off on the project.

Jollyhg

May I ask what you suggest FreeBear?  There is currently no insulation at ceiling level (between ground and 1st floor) and no insulation on the vertical walls between the 1st floor rooms and eaves cupboard spaces.  The apex triangle has a thick layer of fibreglass insulation at the ceiling level (between 1st floor rooms and roof apex).  The entire roof is simply rafters, approx 2cm of 1960's fibreglass (complete with rips and holes), black roofing felt, tiles.  The eaves cupboards are effectively 'rooms'.  
Your suggestions gratefully received!

FreeBear

Insulation is most effective when used between the heated living space and the cold areas (e.g. loft space). In a chalet bungalow, your options are limited by the design of the structure. Any space between the ceiling & tiled roof, I'd use 250-300mm of fibreglass. Although, if it is a small area, Celotex/Kingspan boards might be an option. On the walls, use Celotex/Kingspan type rigid insulation boards close fitted between studs - If some of this is between the rafters, you need to ensure that there is an air gap between insulation & tiles to allow for ventilation.

Chalet bungalows are a compromise in terms of design, and can be challenging to retrofit insulation to a decent level. Without knowing more details of the construction, advice can only be generic and limited in scope.