The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) has meant that a number of new job opportunities have arisen for those people looking for a new career direction and to get involved in what is likely to be a growing industry.
While much attention has been given to the role of home inspectors, the recruitment of domestic energy assessors (DEAs) has enjoyed much less coverage, even though an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a compulsory part of the HIP, making the assessor’s role vital in the HIP process.
In addition, it can be argued that the role of an assessor is likely to have just as much impact as that of a home inspector, mainly because of growing interest in the environment and what each of us can do to lessen our own impact.
According to a recent survey, our homes currently account for 27 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change. It is also estimated that by following the recommendations in an EPC, an average of £300 a year can be saved in fuel bills.
Looking at DEAs
From 10 September, all homes in England and Wales with three or more bedrooms have needed a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating. It is estimated that this will lead to a demand for between 3,000 and 4,000 assessors. Some assessors are already working on a freelance basis while others are working for HIP providers, estate agents, solicitors or energy retail organisations.
The main role of a DEA is to test the energy efficiency of homes and to suggest to owners how efficiency can be improved. An assessor will inspect properties to collect information on their age, number of storeys, building type, heating and hot water systems. They will also take note of the number and size of corridors, windows and fireplaces.
The information is then entered into a computer software programme, which provides an energy efficiency rating and then finally, an EPC. Of course, not every home owner is up to speed with what makes their home energy efficient, therefore one of the key roles for an assessor is to give practical advice on the energy efficiency of a property and explain efficiency ratings to home owners.
Qualifications
To qualify as an assessor, a Level Three Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment (Dip DEA) is needed. This involves completing at least five assessed EPCs and taking a multiple choice exam. The Dip DEA is provided by three awarding bodies: Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE); City & Guilds, and the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). Many colleges and private training providers offer, or are planning to offer, relevant training.
The amount of training needed before taking the diploma depends very much on the skills a candidate already has. If they have experience in a related field, for example, in property surveying or construction, they will need less training than if they are new to this type of work. As an alternative to the Dip DEA, a candidate could take the Diploma in Home Inspection (DipHI). The DipHI will allow qualification as a home inspector and enable the candidate to produce Home Condition Reports (HCRs) as well as EPCs.
The number of opportunities for DEAs is expected to grow when EPCs become compulsory for rented property, and further still when they become mandatory for commercial buildings from April 2008. There has yet to be a definitive date set for when EPCs become ‘whole of market’, although it has been suggested that January of next year is likely. When this imminent development does occur, there will be renewed vigour in the sector and a further boost for DEAs as business levels expand.
Further training
Many potential inspectors have also been attracted by the opportunity to take top-up qualifications if they wish. Additional skills can be acquired to produce EPCs for new homes and also work with builders to show compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations.
Assessors can also train as full home inspectors if they wish. Top-up qualifications are available allowing the assessor to build in qualifications to produce HCRs and in time, even become a property valuer. Assessors could also take the ABBE Level Four Certificate in Valuation of Residential Property for Secured Lending.
The role that xit2 plays is one of technology supplier to this new industry. Our systems are used by HIP providers to instruct jobs to DEAs according to their business rules. We don’t dictate where jobs are placed or act as a panel manager but through the effective use of internet technology we can ensure that these instructions from HIP providers are distributed quickly and efficiently to this new breed of property professionals.
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