Author: Pagetraffic

Things to Check Before Moving in a New Flat

It is not always easy to find a nice place to live in a nice part of the city. But when you do, you must be prepared for the following things to ensure that your move in process is smooth and your new home is worth the rent you are paying every month.

Always be prepared to spend more
When you have enough to move out and be on your own, you realize that there are hidden costs that you didn’t factor in when you saved for renting a flat. Landlords often want to run a background check and reference checks on their tenants and the cost of it will be passed on to you. Additionally, it is also likely that you would have to bear the admin fees and expected to pay a fatter deposit.

Electric goods included in the flat
It doesn’t matter if you have a furnished house or an unfurnished one, you must check what all your electrical items will be included in your rent and if they are all in working condition. If you need these things but are not included in your house rent, then you’ll need to add the cost of buying them into your renting decision. Make sure that electrical goods like toasters, refrigerator, dishwasher, kettle etc. are all in working condition.

Assess the house properly
Before moving in or signing the deal, you should check everything there is to check about the house such as leaks, moss, mildew growth, water pressure, floorboards, plumbing in the toilet, locks etc. Everything in the house should function the way it should. Don’t forget to ask about Landlords Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates. This is a legal requirement that your landlord must fulfill before renting their property to you.

Read the contract
It goes without saying how important it is to read the contract before you sign it. If you find anything in the contract that seems unclear, then now would be a good time to clarify. In fact, you should also make sure that all the agreements made at the time of renting offers have been included in the contract. The contract should also contain all the details regarding furniture, appliances, as well as the existing condition of the property. Make sure you check all of this before moving in.

Take a meter reading
When you rent a house, the first thing you should do as you move in is to check the meters and let your suppliers know. If you don’t do this, you would be responsible to pay even for the usage that had occurred before you moved in.

Believe it or not, landlords and agents may perform an inspection from time to time so make sure that your house is clean and well taken care of.

If you want your deposit on your way out, you must ensure that the place is looking the way it should and no long-term damage has been inflicted.

The Importance of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Companies in the UK are required to have a PAT certificate to show their compliance with health and safety measures along with other regulations. The testing ensures that all portable appliances meet the standards defined by several governing bodies.

The Health and Safety Executive requires that all portable appliances within commercial and residential properties undertake yearly PAT testing. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 mandates responsible parties to keep any electrical device or equipment with the potential to cause harm in a safe state. With an increase in the number of cheap electrical products in the market that arise from globalization, (most of which do not pass through stringent quality checks), the importance of routine safety checks on these electrical products can never be overstated.

So what’s PAT testing?
PAT testing is the act of examining portable appliances and equipment to make sure that they’re safe to use. PAT involves a range of tests that may vary slightly based on the kind of devices being tested, the set up as well as the PAT testing company conducting the service. At its most basic, the testing includes:

  • Visual assessment of the appliance
  • Checking the flexible cables to ensure they are in good condition
  • Grounding verification (when appropriate)
  • Examining the insulation between parts carrying the current
  • Checking any naked metal that could be hazardous

When conducting the test, the company in charge indicates a fail or pass for each item. Should there be any defects; the experts may also recommend the appropriate solutions. Typically, after the test is done on equipment, the engineer places a sticker on its surface to indicate that it’s tested. To supplement this, they also issue a certificate that shows details of testing. The minimum information of a PAT certificate includes details of the tested site, entry of each equipment along with a failed or passed score, individual retest dates and details of the individual or company that conducted the test.

A fail means that the equipment did not meet all the testing requirements with success and should not be used. Equipment with a pass mark indicates a sure sign that the manufacturers have observed all the specified standards and is safe for use.

What’s the importance of a PAT test?
As stated earlier, there is an influx of electrical appliances and equipment from all parts of the world in the country. This makes it difficult for a buyer to differentiate between what’s quality and what isn’t. Unfortunately, purchasing and using substandard electrical appliances may put the lives of people at risk. These days, it’s not uncommon to hear that many devices are found to be unsafe and are recalled by manufacturers and sometimes, even deemed unfit for use. Some electrical equipment are especially hazardous and could lead to electrical burn or shock, misuse or wear and sometimes fire.

PAT tests are meant to ensure that no dangerous equipment is used in residential or commercial premises. This is in attempt to health and safety of all occupants. It’s, therefore, critical for individuals to PAT test their electrical equipment by using the right electrical PAT testing device immediately.

Commercial EPC Certificates And Why They Are A Must-Have In London

Obtaining a commercial EPC London is not an option but an essential requirement which can be easily acquired by finding seasoned electrical engineers online.

The introduction of Energy Performance Certificate in 2008 completely changed how property owners in London get to analyze their current electrical systems and their mandate to tenants. Primarily this certificate shows the energy efficiency of a property on a scale which has been standardized and approved for all tests. Since the legislation came to effect, it has become mandatory for all commercial building owners to take the initiative of seeking this all-important document.

On the bright side, energy assessors who are certified to provide the commercial EPC London are only a few clicks away, and it must never be a struggle to find the right team. Over time, there have been significant amendments and a new introduction to the energy act which makes the certificate to have a lot of importance. This was as a way of responding to studies which show that a lot of commercial buildings in London have poor energy rating and are therefore unsuitable for use. Abiding by this law any structure with a rating of E or lower will not be allowed for leasing and failure to adhere to this will call for harsh penalties.

It is not just the necessity of meeting the set requirements by the government before leasing any commercial property that makes it suitable to seek an EPC certificate, but it has become a measure of enhancing market appeal. Businesses today are extra cautious when it comes to changes that hold the potential to impact their activities and will only go for solutions that meet the highest standards. Acquiring an Energy Performance Certificate is one way of making it clear that you have the interests of all potential tenants at heart and have a building that is of outstanding quality.

The craze for EPC is equally part of the current global movement to go green as man seeks to reduce carbon emissions in every way possible. As a property owner, taking the initiative to call an accredited energy assessor to evaluate the building helps in clearly knowing the current situation of the building. If the building has a low energy rating, there are constructional changes that will be necessary to boost the rating and be part of a larger objective. All these efforts will eventually count as tenants are falling over themselves looking for commercial spaces that have an excellent energy efficiency rating.

A complete energy survey is nit costly and compared with the lots of benefits it comes with, it is a venture that is worthwhile for all commercial property owners. The best part is that a certificate lasts for ten years and is not an activity that one will keep worrying about every other year. It also comes handy to help in avoiding unnecessary penalties when selling or renting the building to a prospective buyer or tenant. Leading assessors will provide a free quote before you can choose to hire them and this is mainly dependent on the size of the building.

Four Major Benefits of Servicing your Boiler Regularly

A boiler serves a significant role in your home or office. It provides hot water for showering, and heating to keep your place comfortable. What’s more, the combi boiler installation cost can be pocket-friendly if you get a good expert to work with.

However, regular use of a boiler without servicing it can damage various components of your boiler, which may eventually reduce its performance, forcing you to think of buying a new one or spending a lot of money repairing the broken parts.

So, to keep your boiler up running for some good time, then it is essential that you have your boiler regularly serviced by professional gas engineers. Much like maintaining a car, a regular boiler maintenance service will keep your boiler running smoothly, saving you money and keeping it going for a while.

When considering the person you wish to hire, ensure that he/she is gas safe registered, and has the skills and knowledge to inspect and maintain your boiler safely.
Here in this article, there are four key benefits of why you need to service your boiler regularly.

Keeps you and your family safe

Safety is vital for your family, and having your boiler serviced regularly, helps make your living environment a safer place. Otherwise, living with a damaged or faulty boiler puts your family’s lives on high risk and may potentially lead to a fire outbreak. Moreover, a damaged boiler could lead to a gas leak, releasing carbon monoxide, which is a very poisonous gas, and you cannot quickly tell with a smell or taste.

So, it is advisable to have your boiler regularly serviced by experienced professional gas engineers. They can go a long way toward ensuring your boiler is functioning safely for the safety of your family.

Low expenses

If you hire a professional gas engineer to help you in purchasea boiler, outline the combi boiler installation cost and offer to maintain it regularly, you will likely have low energy bill expenses.

However, when you use your boiler regularly without maintaining it, soot gradually builds up on the internal components of your boiler and eventually affects its performance.
Service your boiler regularly, and it will prevent soot from accumulating, enabling your boiler to operate at maximum efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Improved efficiency allows you to keep your energy costs low.

Meet all legal requirements

As a landlord, you need to fulfil all legal requirements to ensure the safety of your tenants. Depending on the premises and the sector you operate in, you may be required by law to keep your boiler safe and in good condition by servicing it regularly. Also, acquire an annual gas safety certificate to demonstrate that you have fulfilled your obligations. Invest in regular boiler servicing, and it will help you achieve your legal requirements.

Extends your boiler’s lifespan

If you have a boiler or recently purchased a new one, you may be wondering how you can make sure that it functions for a good time. Well, inspecting and servicing your boiler from the help of professional gas engineers can prolong your boiler’s life span.

Not only will they keep your boiler functioning efficiently, but they will also help you identify minor issues that would also need fixing.

Taking preventive action to maintain your boiler can protect it from resulting in bigger and more expensive problems.

Gas Safety Certificates And Why They Are A Must Have When Buying a House

It is the responsibility of every prospective property buyer to ensure that they get to have a valid gas safety certificate selling house is included as one of the most vital elements to take to account before a final sale agreement can be made.

The decision to buy a house in the United Kingdom is one which very family and individual has to take seriously as it is a financially demanding initiative where care must be taken to ensure top-most value for money. No potential home buyer would love making a purchase only to realize that they have received a raw deal which will leave them nursing frustrations. It is why before the final sale agreement is made the prospective buyer must go to all lengths to ensure that no detail is left out when analysing the suitability of the property as their next home.

Since there are a lot of details to be considered when holistically evaluating a property, there are important factors that can be easily forgotten. One such factor is the role of the gas safety certificate selling house which despite its importance often gets ignored by most potential home buyers. This is despite the government taking initiatives through agencies such as Health and Safety Executive to increase awareness on why these inspections are a necessity.

Primarily a gas safety check is meant to ensure that:

1. The gas pipework, flues, and appliances are safe to use. There are standards which have been set that household gas appliances must adhere to and a certified engineer will ensure everything is according to the book. Failure of adherence to the standards can easily result in problems which could have been avoided right from the start.

2. There are no carbon monoxide leaks which are extremely dangerous as it might result in poisoning. Worn out pipes or appliances which have not been tightly fitted can lead to leaks which are hazardous and must be rectified for the safety of everyone.

3. Ensure all safety devices are functioning correctly. These include smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and the main switch which should be properly working as they are vital in the event of any emergencies.

4. There is no misuse of gas devices which is always the first step to disaster. Gas devices have specified duties and trying to use them for other functions is a violation of the law as it places everyone in the home at risks. A certified gas inspector will carry an in-depth evaluation to ensure that there is strict adherence to the intended functions.

When looking to buy a home taking the precautions by having a team of approved technicians carry out the tests is vital. Not only will you have the peace of mind that the house about to be purchased is safe to stay in you will also get to avoid taking unnecessary risks. On the other side, you will also have the upper hand when it comes to ensuring that the long-term warranty of gas appliances is maintained. Some insurance companies also make these certificates mandatory before they can offer their cover or make repayments in the event of a disaster.

PAT Testing And Why They Are A Must For All Landlords in the UK

One of the concerns that you must have as a landlord is the PAT certificate cost given that it is crucial to have a team of certified safety engineers to carry these tests regularly for all apartments.

As a landlord, there is a lot when it comes to property management, and you must be prepared to handle all the duties as it is the only way to be guaranteed of success. While a lot is expected from you, it takes having a clear plan which will allow you to focus on the most important factors first. At the top of the list which contains all the must-do duties must be your responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the safety of all the tenants who stay in the properties.

The truth is while every tenant must take the tight caution to ensure they maintain a safe environment, no one would want to be in a place where their safety is not the topmost priority. In an age where information is available at the click of a button, the standards expected by any potential tenant are quite high. It is why before they agree to rent the property they will need the assurance that you can always go the extra mile and this can only be made possible through regular property inspections like PAT testing, EPC in London etc.

One of the critical aspects in these inspections is the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) which involves virtually inspecting all portable electric appliances. The goal of these tests is to ensure that every gadget used within the house meets the desired electrical specifications and are free from any faults. The PAT certificate cost is mainly dependent on the number of appliances which have been tested as more items mean more work for the technicians.

For items that have been proved to be safe after the professional inspections, they are deemed safe until the next re-test period. It is therefore not enough to have these tests once and assume that for the next couple of years everything will be fine. This does not only apply to electrical tests but also gas safety tests as after a period of use the appliances can develop problems and have to be regularly checked by professionals. It is easy to know which equipment has passed the test or not as stickers indicating pass or fail are attached to each device in line with the accepted standards for inspection. The stickers will also show the test dates and expected re-test dates which must be followed.

Landlords who get to adhere to the regular PAT tests get to have the peace of mind on running properties that are much safer. It is also a way of ensuring you meet the government regulations on the safety of tenants in the UK as it covers core aspects of electrical equipment. On the business side, the reputation for adhering to the highest standards will equally work for your advantage. This is because word will always spread on the proactive measures that are taken by the management when it comes to the wellbeing of the tenants.

Tips to Improve EPC Ratings of your Commercial Building

Commercial buildings in the UK are required to obtain Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when it constructed, sold, or rented. The EPC displays the energy rating on a scale of A to G and is valid for 10 years.

As soon as the building is being offered up for sale or rent, it becomes the seller/landlord’s responsibility to make the EPC available to the renter/buyer free of cost. Commercial EPC in London is necessary before the building can be put on the market.

How to improve your EPC rating

There are many ways to improve your EPC ratings. In this article, we will share some important tips to make your commercial property more energy efficient.

Make Your Lighting Energy Efficient: Lighting make a huge difference to the commercial rating. This is the reason you must optimize your lighting in order to score a better rating. If you have a large property, then you must consider getting a full lighting design to improve your rating further.

Use Energy-Saving Heating Methods: The heating system that you use in your commercial building can play a huge role in getting you a better rating. Therefore, ensure that you have an efficient air-conditioning unit, especially if that is the primary system used for heating. If you don’t have a central heating system, consider getting one that is incredibly efficient.

Insulate your Walls & Roof: When you plan refurbishment of your building, you should consider adding an extra layer of insulation for metal clad or solid brick properties. Follow the same step for your roofs as well, especially if you have an industrial warehouse or a building. If possible, consider adding basic insulation to improve your EPC rating.

Lighting & Heating Controls: One of the cheapest and the most effective way to improve energy efficiency is to incorporate your lighting with some kind of sensors or control that can reduce wastage. The lighting control can be sensor-enabled that can eliminate energy lighting wasted in unused space. You can do the same for heating as well. Install some thermostatic control to lower energy consumption. By following these methods, you can give your EPC rating a good boost.

Invest in Renewable Sources of Energy: Renewable energy can prove to be a worthy investment for your business. Since you know the times of maximum energy consumption, you can limit its usage and get a better return on investment. For example, solar energy production and usage time coincide. As a result, you can reduce your reliance on artificial sources of energy and bump up your EPC rating.

In today business scenario, being energy efficient is not only the need of the hour but also a worthy investment in your own future. The best course of action is to speak with your local energy assessor to offer you tailored expert advice and also provide you with EPC in London if and when you need one.

Infographic: 4 Vital Legal Safety Requirements For Tenants and Landlords In London

People often rent out their property to create an alternate source of income. But renting out one’s property in London is not a cakewalk these days. There are many formalities which need to be fulfilled by a landlord before he rents it out. An Energy Property Certificate is one of them. It includes details about the energy consumption and cost along with recommendations on how the landlord can save energy.

The Gas Safety Certificate, on the other hand, certifies that all gas equipment within the property is safely installed and maintained. It is essential for a landlord to hand over a copy of this safety check to his tenant. Electrical Safety certificate includes inspection and declaration of all portable appliances, sockets, fixed wiring, and light fittings as safe for use. In the case of Houses In Multiple Occupation(HMOs), it is a must to install fire alarms and fire extinguishers. An electrical safety inspection needs to be done in an HMO every five years.

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Why You Should Inspect Your Electricity on A Consistent Basis

When was the last time you got your electricity inspected?

If you have been living in your home for a number of years now, and have yet to come across any problems with lighting, appliances, or other electric-related utilities, your first encounter just might happen as soon as tomorrow. Electricity in the home must always be contained and utilized in a safe and stable manner, and over time, you might not realize or be aware of any problems with electricity and a certain appliance until it is too late.

For instance, there could be some areas of the home where not enough power is received, resulting in dim lighting and inadequate energy for your appliances to function properly. Too much power can also be an issue, in which it could cause long term harm for the appliances, such as your washer or furnace. And of course, your appliances or lights might not even turn on at all, in which case you will need to find the root of the problem with a professional inspection.

Here are a number of suggestions for having safe and adequate electricity in the home for many years to come.

Keep a regular maintenance routine

Of course, the easiest way to know that all your fittings, appliances, cables, and connections are working properly is to inspect them yourself. Every three to six months, you should take a look at all your connections and objects that receive power to make sure they are all working as intended. If a light is dim and replacing it doesn’t change anything, or if a certain outlet it just too unstable, contact an electrician so that you can properly address your electrical concerns.

Obtain a certificate of compliance

An Electrical Safety Certificate is a certificate of compliance for electrical installations. This certificate acts as proof that the work done by a professional electrician has been done safely and within the guidelines of British Standards. This certificate of compliance for electrical installations should be kept within your home for future reference, and should stay with the home should you decide to move. Don’t have an electrician work on your home without this certificate.

Purchase a set of safety switches

If you do not own safety switches already, consider buying some soon, as they can prevent in causing serious harm to your home’s electrical setup. Safety switches allow you to carefully observe the current flow of power and can provide a swift cut in that power, in the event should something go amiss. Safety switches help identify electrical hazards and other potential problems that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to identify on your own. With that said, they are crucial tools that prevent freak accidents that could cause harm, or even death, from occurring in your house, which is all the more reason to invest in them.

What if you rent a home?

Regarding any electrical issues related to a home that you are renting, contact your landlord or real estate agent at your earliest convenience because the landlords of the home you live in should be completely obligated to ensure all electricity is maintained properly throughout it.

Why you shouldn’t wait to conduct a thorough inspection by a qualified electrician

If you have not had an inspection of your home in a long time, it is best that you set up an inspection with a professional as soon as you can. Delays in the inspection process means that any possible problems with your electricity can get worse over time, which can be more detrimental to your wiring and/or appliances.

A Guide to Fire Alarm Safety Certification

Whether you’re the owner of an office complex or private residence, potential fire outbreaks are a valid concern if not properly addressed. This is achieved by getting a mandatory fire safety certificate London.

Protecting your property against potential threats such as fires is a mandatory requirement for buildings in the UK. The damage that a fire outbreak can cause to a region can be devastating if not checked in time. To ensure such safety measures are maintained to the highest standards, the government has made professional fire safety alarm inspection mandatory for both commercial buildings and domestic residences. This guideline follows the standards set by BS5839 part 1 section 6.

What is a Fire Alarm Safety Certificate?
A fire safety certificate London is an official document proving the worthiness of your fire alarm system after it has undergone a professional inspection. British standard regulations state that a fire alarm should be checked once a week by the owner, with a professional inspection taking place every six months. This certificate guarantees the safety of people who enter your building or residence against any potential fire threat.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems
For the sake of these inspection purposes, fire alarms are generally categorized into two primary groups, namely:

Grade D Fire Alarms
These are the most common systems available in the market and are mostly found in homes and small offices. They offer a simplified means of prevention by providing smoke and heat alarms. Though they are more affordable than their counterparts, they are not suitable for large buildings – thus they don’t offer much commercial value.

Grade A Fire Alarms
These are more complex systems as they feature a range of features in their makeup, including smoke and heat detectors, sounders, manual call points, and a central control panel. The integration of these different systems ensures that a building is adequately covered against any potential fire outbreak. These alarms are mostly found in commercial buildings with multiple floors.

Both fire alarm system grades have to be tested by a certified professional before you can receive your fire alarm safety certificate. It’s crucial that the company chosen to provide these solutions have the needed expertise and experience to conduct a thorough inspection of your alarm. You should also ensure that the person giving you the certificate is authorized to perform such a task.

The Fire Alarm Testing Process
Knowing what is supposed to happen during various stages of your fire alarm certification ensures that you’re not cheated out of your money’s worth. It also allows you to make any adequate preparations needed since you know what to expect.

The three main criteria that will be tested during this certification process include:
* The batteries, accessible cable joints, and fire panels will be tested to gauge their functionality and integrity.
* The smoke and heat alarms will be tested to ensure that they function properly.
* All bells and sounders are rung to ensure that the volume produced is high enough to be clearly heard by all concerned.
Once these tests are performed, the activities shall be filled out in a log book which you shall keep for further use. Any suggestions or recommendations about your system will also be offered at this point.