'Adequate' assessors available for introduction of Hips

Posted: 09 May 2007 10:45:35 GMT

A new survey from Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) has claimed that there will be over 3,500 trained operatives to deal with the introduction of home information packs (Hips) when they come into force in June.

A new survey from Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) has claimed that there will be over 3,500 trained operatives to deal with the introduction of home information packs (Hips) when they come into force in June.

Previous reports suggested that up to 7,500 energy assessors may be needed when the packs become necessary for home sellers in the summer.

Various financial documents will be needed including safety certificates to be included in the packs so a number of inspections will be mandatory before a property is sold.

Director general of the Association of Home Information Packs Providers Mike Ockenden said that initial estimates of the number of assessors needed to carry out such tasks appeared to be off the mark.

"The training and assessment centres surveyed have told us that there will be at least 1,130 Home Inspectors and over 2,400 DEAs ready to undertake inspections for June," he stated.

He added that while the cost of a pack has been reported as being £1,000, more realistic figures are around £300 to £400.

Hips will be introduced on June 1st.

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