Frequently Asked Questions

If we haven't answered your question here get in touch, we'll be happy to help.

Q- How can I get a quote?

A - It doesn't cost a penny to request a quote, simply complete the attached form and return the required documents to us.  We'll send you the quote.

 

Q - How long does it take to receive a quote?

A - Once you have completed and returned the information required we aim to send you a quote within 48 hours. 

 

Q - How much does a Premier Guarantee warranty cost?

A - Your warranty premium will depend on a number of factors, including the build stage you have reached, the number of units on site and your history as a developer.  For a quote complete our online forms, get in touch with your regional business account manager or get in touch with us in the office.

 

Q - Do banks and building societies accept Premier Guarantee?

A - We are recognised by the leading banks and building societies.  Visit our lender acceptance page to find out more or, if you've got a specific query call us directly on 0151 650 4343.

 

Q - How long will my property be covered by a Premier Guarantee warranty?

A -   New Homes and Commercial Buildings properties are covered by a 10 year warranty. 

Our Social Housing warranty provides 10 years cover as standard, with an option to extend to provide 12 years cover.  Visit our warranty section to find out more.

 

Q - I've already started construction on my property, can I still get a Premier Guarantee warranty?

A - Yes, cover can be provided on construction has commenced.  Call 0151 650 4343 to see if your property can be covered.

 

Q - What is registration?                                                     

A  -Registrations with Premier Guarantee is required before a quote can be accepted.  Our registration section contains a full list of registration faq's.

 

Q -  Do you need the homeowners name on the certificate of insurance?           

A  -  No, the certificate is covering the structure not homeowner. We can note homeowners on our system but we have the following standard sentence on the certificates;-

"The owner acquiring, a freehold or leasehold interest, or their successors in title, or any mortgagee in possession or lesser."

 

Q - Who underwrites the warranty?       

A  - All policies are underwritten by Lloyd's Syndicate 4472 (Liberty Syndicates).  Visit their website to find out more.

 

Q - Can I use the Premier Guarantee logo on my marketing material?       

A - Yes, we have a range of logos for use alongside our brand guidelines, call 0151 650 4343 to request them.

 

Q - Do you provide building control?

A - Yes, visit our building control page to find out more about the service we offer, or contact the team directly on 0844 873 3663.  We also offer SAP Assessments and EPCs, acoustic and air pressure testing, SBEM calculations, Home Information Packs and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments.  

 

Q - Do you provide the Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments?   

A - Yes, visit our Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments page to find out more about the service we offer, or contact the team directly on 0151 650 4343.  We also offer SAP Assessments and EPCs, acoustic and air pressure testing, SBEM calculations, Home Information Packs and building control. 

 

Q - Do you provide air pressure testing?                                                               

A - Yes, visit our commercial and residential air pressure testing page to find out more about the service we offer, or contact the team directly on 0151 650 4343.  We also offer SAP Assessments and EPC's, acoustic testing, building control, SBEM calculations, Home Information Packs and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments.  

 

Q - Do you provide acoustic testing?           

A - Yes, visit our acoustic testing page to find out more about the service we offer, or contact the team directly on 0151 650 4343.  We also offer SAP Assessments and EPC's, acoustic testing, building control, SBEM calculations, Home Information Packs and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments.

 

Code for Sustainable Homes               

Q - When did the Code for Sustainable Homes become Mandatory?             

A - The Government introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes as a mandatory requirement from 1 May 2008. It was previously a voluntary national sustainability standard replacing Ecohomes in April 2007.  It seeks to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle climate change, by giving clear information on the sustainability of a new property to provide a basis for comparison.

 

Q - What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?     

A - The Code does not apply in Scotland (yet)      

In Northern Ireland, all public sector housing has required a Code Level 3 rating since April 2008.   

Wales are supporting the Code but it is not yet mandatory.   

 

Q - What Code level must be achieved?    

A - There is no mandatory requirement level at the moment and developers have the choice in most cases, apart from where a specific planning condition is imposed. It is acceptable to providea nil-rated certificate which simply indicates that the current Building Regulation requirements have been met.

Areas where imposed levels of sustainability can be found are generally:-

  • Housing Corporation grant-funded Social Housing
  • Developments on English Partnerships land
  • In particular planning requirements

 

Q- What sort of additional building cost is likely to be incurred in achieving the various levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes?

A - It is difficult to accurately assess what additional costs are likely to be incurred as the size of the development and the Developer's buying power will be strong influences; however an approximate estimate is provided in the table below

Code Level

Approximate additional cost to achieve Code

1

£1000

2

£2,326

3

£5,000

4

£13,000

5

£28,000

6

£47,000

 

SAP Calculations

Q - Do I need SAP calculations?

A - It is a mandatory requirement, SAP calculations are needed for every unit

 

Q - Does this include EPCs?  

A - Yes both Predicted Energy Assessments and the Energy Performance Certificates are included in the SAP quotation.

 

Q - How much is it for 1 single unit?   

A - There is a minimum cost of £100 (+VAT) 

 

Q - What information do I need to provide for a quote?

A - The number of units and the number of unit types on your development.

 

Q - How long will it take to get a quote?

A - We will aim to provide you with a quote within 24-48 hrs

 

Q - What other information do you require to carry out a SAP assessment?  

A - Full plans, elevations, cross sections and specifications.

 

Q - How long does it take to produce the SAP calculations?    

A - Once we receive all the information there is usually a 3-5 working day turnaround. 

 

Testing - Acoustic and Air Pressure

Q - What is the process for testing?

A - Our engineers will be come out to site to carry out the test. They are on site for approximately 2-3 hours. They provide all the testing equipment and will bring this all to site. Envelope calculations will be carried out before they attend site. The report is usually produced within 5 working days.

 

Q - What is your lead time for booking tests?

A - Please allow 2 weeks notice when booking tests with Premier Guarantee. We will always try to accommodate urgent requirements, but the more notice we are given, the greater the choice of dates available.

 

Q - How do I book a test?

A - Email or call DSS department with your suggested test dates, completed checklist and plans along with full payment need to be sent in at least 3 days before the test is due.

 

Q - Can the carpets be fitted?

A - It is advisable that the carpets are not down but in the cases where they are fitted they will need to be pulled back 50%.

 

Q - Can the property be habited?

A - No the property should not be habited.

 

Q - What happens if I need to cancel?

A - If the test is cancelled 48 hours or more before the test date then no costs are incurred, within 48 hours a 50% charge is made. If the test is cancelled on site then the full cost is chargeable.

 

Home Information Packs

Q  - Why do we need them?

A - Home Information Packs are required on ALL new homes marketed from 6th April 2008

 

Q - When do we need them?    

A - Home Information Packs are needed when the property is first put on the housing market

 

Q - How do I access the information on your website?   

A - Log onto www.hipshoponline.co.uk, register your details and a password will be sent to you so you can obtain a quotation or you can contact us directly on 0845 0550572


Q - What do we need to include in a Home Information Pack?   

A - Energy Performance Certificate or Predicted Energy Assessment for each individual unit, Evidence of Title, Land Registry searches, Local Authority searches, Sales Statements, Leases (if applicable)

 

Q - How long does it take to compile a Home Information Pack?   

A - Once we have all the information we can compile the Home Information Pack within 2 working days, it is dependent on receiving the searches back for the Local Authorities

 

Q - How much are Home Information Packs?   

A - The price is dependent on how many units are being marketed at any one time. Please give us a ring to receive a full quotation.