Legal professionals must not overlook plumbing systems when producing home information packs.

Home information packs (HIPs) have been with us for a number of months. We at the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors have noticed a number of errors in the practices of some legal professionals and conveyancing executives.

It has come to our attention that plumbing systems – which tend to be viewed as an extension of heating systems – are being overlooked when either producing or compiling HIPs, or when carrying out the contract development of a sale. Areas already recognised by many legal professionals, such as electrical systems or glazing, are recognised as a notification area. However, where a house has had bathrooms and kitchens renovated, the association is finding a worrying number of ‘not to standard’ works that have not been notified and have been overlooked by legal professionals.

These works can ultimately fail earlier and potentially require greater maintenance or correction, thereby causing new owners additional expense. Many of these failings are not recognised by home owners and simply get replaced. However, some failings can result in significant damage to the dwelling and even, in extreme cases, injury and death.

When compiling HIPs or conducting any property searches as part of the exchange process, legal professionals should ensure that, if the dwelling has undergone any renovation works in the kitchen, bathroom or central heating system, or has had any renewable heating system installed, these have been notified to the appropriate local authority, either directly or through a competent persons scheme.

We hope legal professionals will adopt this procedure in any future conveyancing transactions.

If you have any questions about the notification process of building regulations and compliance, please do not hesitate to visit the Communities and Local Government website. www.planningportal.gov.uk.

Stacey White, Administrator, chief executive’s office, Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors