Glossary

PLANNING - If you live in a house, you can make certain types of minor changes to your home without needing to apply for planning permission, these are called 'Permitted Development Rights'. There are also different requirements if your house is a listed building. If you build something which needs planning without obtaining permission first you may be forced to put things right later. See planning portal - www.planningportal.gov.uk.

FULL PLANS BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATION - This is where an application is submitted before building works start, accompanied by a set of detailed drawings and relevant forms. When construction starts a Building Control Officer will inspect the works at various stages to ensure full compliance with the current regulations.

BUILDING NOTICE APPLICATION - Detailed drawings are not required for this type of application. You submit an application at least 48 hours before building works commence and the Building Inspector will visit at various stages. The building works will progress in accordance with the planning drawings with the construction details being agreed on site.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC) - This shows the energy efficiency and environmental impact rating of a property. The rating is displayed on the certificate using a scale A-G, similar to those found on many domestic appliances. The scale is measured with A being the most efficient (lower fuel bills) and G being the least efficient (higher fuel bills). These must be carried out by an Accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Click here for an example EPC.

LANDLORD ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES - When properties are rented out, the landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid certificate is made available to all prospective tenants. An EPC for a rental property is valid for 10 years.

HOME CONDITION SURVEY (HCS) for buyers - The HIP and Energy Performance Certificate do not include a survey of the property that identifies problems such as damp, wood rot, beetle infestation, etc. This is important information that you need to know before you commit to buying a property. A Home Condition Survey (HCS) gives you much more than a traditional Home Buyers Report. It is a comprehensive report that assesses the condition of a property and its services using a clear and simple scale 1-3 rating. Issues such as flooding, subsidence, mining and radon gas are also identified. Click here for an example HCS.

HOME CONDITION REPORT (HCR) - This is an additional report that can be added to the HIP. It is similar to the HCS but is lodged on the central register and is regulated by the Communities and Local Government. The HCR is designed to be an objective report on the condition of the property that can be relied upon by buyers, sellers and mortgage lenders. It is written in plain English in a standard format and will describe the general condition, taking account of its age, character and location, how energy efficient it is and any defects or matters requiring attention. Click here for an example HCR.