UK home owners have an expensive decision to make!

New building regulations mean the cost of major home improvements is set to rise significantly from 1st October 2010. The current turbulent state of the housing market has led to many home owners choosing the often more cost effective option of improving, rather than moving. Unfortunately home owners planning to take this route are in for an expensive surprise in October when the current Building Regulations are updated. Help is at hand though, as Hazlemere Windows is highlighting, there is one last opportunity for consumers to get their hands on less expensive double glazing; as long as they order on or before 30th September 2010.

After the 30th September 2010 double glazing suppliers will be forced, by law, to sell windows that meet the new regulations strict criteria. Part L of the Buildings Regulations states that windows sold from October onwards must have a minimum Window Energy Rating (WER) of C or higher. Although these windows will provide better heat efficiency, the extra costs in production means that they will be more expensive for manufacturers, suppliers, installers and therefore ultimately for the consumer.

The next two months present a final opportunity for home owners all across the country to grab themselves a bargain before the last remaining stocks of less expensive double glazed windows are snapped up by property owners looking to save money on replacement double glazing before the new laws come in.

Under Part L of the Building Regulations, double glazing that only satisfies the existing legislation criteria has to be sold before 30th September 2010 and installed before the 6th April 2011 in order to receive FENSA Certification which is required on all new replacement windows and doors (unless otherwise approved by Building Control). After these cut off dates, any remaining stock will be useless to suppliers, so right now is a unique one-off opportunity to purchase more affordable double glazing before several product ranges become obsolete.

Currently the cost of installing aluminium double glazing for a semi-detached three bedroom house is currently around 15%-20% less than it will be after 1st October 2010. Plus, by ordering before 30th September 2010, and ensuring new double glazing is fitted before the 2010 Christmas shutdown, property owners will save themselves the 2.5% price hike when VAT increases to 20% on 4th January 2011.

The cost of carrying out any home improvements, needs to be weighed against the average cost of moving house which is currently £13,500 when both selling and buying a £250,000 property. This takes into account estate agent fees, stamp duty, solicitor’s fees, survey costs and the price of hiring a moving company to transport all of your belongings.

The next six weeks offers a final window of opportunity for property owners to purchase less expensive double glazing while they still can.

For further information on the imminent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, as well as solutions if looking for quality UPVC and aluminium replacement windows doors and conservatories, request a a free no obligation consultation by a Hazlemere Windows experienced expert or Freephone 08000 825825. Alternatively, click here for more about energy rated windows