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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
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Housing - New Build: volume house builders attitude to insulation

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    • CommentAuthordb8000
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014 edited
     
    Is well exemplified in this bbc programme:
    Http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04knnhf/inside-out-west-06102014
    From 10mins 35secs

    In short, Charles Church (Persimmon) converts a listed building Muller House and according to the BBC's findings, doesn't bother with the insulation.

    Someone though has told the EPC assessor it was insulated. Buyers upset.

    Scraping ice off the inside of the windows!

    I know EPC has it's flaws but even on the incorrect assumption, it scored lower than my largely unaltered Edwardian detached house!
    • CommentAuthorgravelld
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014 edited
     
    These flats were converted five years ago. Did it raise anyone else's eyebrows that even on the 'claimed' EPC the rating was as low as 'E'?

    Surely it should be higher than that if it were done to building regs (which clearly weren't followed anyway).

    Edit: sorry I just realised that was your point in your final para :D

    I guess it's the electrical heating that does it? Maybe the windows couldn't be changed if listed?
    • CommentAuthordb8000
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    One of the purchasers comments that she thought she was getting an alright property as it scored about half way up the scale (I've paraphrased her and the presenter's words).

    If that is a widespread view, then there is no market pressure to improve buildings' sustainability.

    The developer seems to hide behind the assertion that listed buildings don't require insulation to meet building regs.
    • CommentAuthorbillt
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    Yes, she said that she thought 42 (E) was quite good! When reassessed they were actually 17 or less.

    Have to say it's pretty despicable behaviour, especially by the developer who are supposed to be reputable, but also on the part of the LA.
    • CommentAuthorTriassic
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    Has the EPC and the methodology used ever been tested in court? Or is even the EPC caviat emptor?
    • CommentAuthorgravelld
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    I suppose though, if building regs don't require the insulation, why would a private company do it? It's not in their interest when in the UK we move fairly often (AIUI) and things like "character" (for which read: old fireplaces) are top of our (most people's) lists.
    • CommentAuthorDarylP
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014 edited
     
    The Assessor probably went on 'year of conversion' data, so the s/w assumed Building Regs were followed.... hah ha ha :bigsmile:
    • CommentAuthorringi
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    I assume there is a NHBC warranty...
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    Volume builders actually lobby HNG not to keep upping the insulation requirements! They say they don't want to cant afford it!

    For everyone else, the customers, future owners, the country, the planet, our pockets it would be better if the were insulated to MINERGIE standards or better.
    • CommentAuthordb8000
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2014
     
    Not nhbc but Zurich, who according to the programme, have been involved.

    Interestingly, according to Zurich's website, they've withdrawn from the market. Too much to guess that the claims records were wiping out profit?
    • CommentAuthorCWatters
    • CommentTimeOct 10th 2014
     
    It would be interesting to see what the warranty company says. I have a feeling they don't normally cover "quality issues" only material failure and the like. If insulation wasn't fitted it can't have "failed"!

    I recall someone had a problem with their drains blocking on a monthly basis because of poor layout. The warranty company declined the claim saying there was no evidence of failure as the drains worked fine when unblocked.

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