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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors

The role of a Home Inspector is to produce Home Condition Reports and Energy Performance Certificates, whereas Domestic Energy Assessors just provide Energy Performance Certificates. There are a number of certification and accreditation schemes to help protect home buyers and sellers.

Domestic Energy Assessors

Before a person can start working as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) they must have gained accreditation with one of the approved accreditation schemes. Among other things, these schemes ensure that DEAs:

  • adhere to standards, codes of conduct and procedures
  • are qualified to conduct an energy assessment, produce the certificate and give advice
  • have the correct insurance
  • are part of a register
  • have had a criminal records check
  • have a complaints procedure

How to complain

In the first instance, you should complain to the DEA who carried out your assessment. They will be able to provide you with a copy of their complaints procedure.

If the complaint isn't resolved satisfactorily, it can be escalated to their accreditation scheme.

Home Inspectors

The certification schemes should ensure that the work of Home Inspectors (HIs) can be trusted by sellers, buyers and lenders. The certification schemes should:

  • ensure that all Home Inspectors have a background check (including carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau check)
  • ensure that the Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out their duties
  • ensure that the Home Inspectors have insurance cover to deal with any claims that might arise
  • check the quality of the work produced by Home Inspectors and ensure that there is no drop in standards
  • have the power to suspend and cancel the membership of any Home Inspector whose work falls below acceptable standards or who does not follow the strict code of conduct
  • ensure that Home Inspectors deal with any complaints in a fair, quick and transparent manner
  • keep a public register of their members

How to complain

In the first instance, you should complain to the HI who carried out your assessment. They will be able to provide you with a copy of their complaints procedure.

If the complaint isn’t resolved satisfactorily, it can be escalated to their certification scheme.

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