On Thu, 11 Dec 2003 14:15:38 -0000, "IMM" wrote:




It is getting that way, that is the point, and that is for certain. The
insulation regs are getting higher, boiler efficiency is getting higher, all
pushed by Two Jags (God bless his left hook). Once this becomes the
standard then it drags the less old homes up, as it did with double glazing,
insulation in lofts, high efficiency heating. Then it will be the norm and
anything less will sell for less and not even be looked at. It is all
coming soon, very soon.

Worst case example. Take a bog standard, structurally sound, in excellent
order 3 bed never been modernised in any way 1930s detached house, with
original kitchen, coal fires, doors, bathroom, etc, and NO insulation in the
loft. See how many people would interested to buy it at full price, the
same price as a new house in insulation to current building regs and high
efficeint heating system. NONE at all. Some will want a knock done price
to "renovate" it, to modern specs. Comfort conditions and expectations are
rising and expectations of low running cost are too. The point? Improved
comfort and running costs "do impact".

Certainly people will expect to buy a fixer-upper at a lower price,
but the renovation budget is going to go on structural issues, wiring,
a heating system if there wasn't one, new windows if the old ones are
beyond economic repair (not for insulation reasons), the bathroom, the
kitchen and decorating, and then maybe the garden.

Loft insulation may be done since it's easy and cheap, although not
the major loss of heat. Cavity insulation? probably not, yet that's
likely to be the largest heat loss.

I don't see lower energy costs as a major motivator at this point.




and we wouldn't need legislation to encourage better
insulation.

Legislation is to drag the building industry out of the 19th century.

That's a separate issue.

But still related.



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..andy

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