At Pinnacle Home Inspection Partnership, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 0845 226 0915 or info@pinnacle-homeinspect.co.uk

What is the Home Information Pack? (HIP)
The HIP is a new initiative made law in The Housing Act 2004, that requires all domestic properties sold to have a HIP in place prior to sale.

What does the pack contain?
The pack contains

• An Index
• A sale Statement
• Home Contents Form
• Home Use Form
• Copies of the Land Registry Title
• Standard Searches
• Energy Performance Certificate or optional Home Condition Report
• Planning consents and building control certificates
• Copies of guarantees and warranties

The major new element to the HIP is the Home Condition Report and Energy efficiency assessment.

Who pays for the HIP?
The seller pays for the HIP. The property market is currently investigating ways to finance the cost of the pack for the seller.

How much will the HIP cost?
It is estimated the Full HIP will cost around £700 including a Home Condition Report. HIP Lites including a Energy Performance Certificate are likely to cost around £500..

Who carry’s out the Home Condition Report?
Only suitably qualified registered Home Inspectors can carry out the reports. The inspector’s reports are continually audited. The Home Inspector owes a duty of care to:
The seller
The buyer
The mortgage company

Who carry’s out the Energy Performance Certificate?

Only suitably qualified registered Home Inspectors or Domestic Energy Assessors can carry out the reports.

Why do we need the HIP?
The purpose of the HIP is to:
Speed up the sale process
To avoid abortive costs, all parties are fully informed at the start
The fall through of sales costs the UK economy £350 million per year

When will I be required to have a HIP to sell my home?
The dry run for the HIP is due to start in July 2006 and the compulsory scheme will start in June 2007