Home Improvements

[Gareth.hs]

I have been checking to see what help is available to improve efficiency in home, especially as fuel price rises coming again and this stiff breeze on back of my legs when on pc (from old wooden patio door).
I came across this "Green Deal" on gov website and wondered if we would be able to take advantage of it while in an IVA? It is a government incentive to get home owners to improve efficiency of their homes. Technically it is credit but is paid off through the savings you make on fuel bills by carrying out the improvements and actually stays with the home, not the owner.
Any thoughts?

[luluj]

I would speak to your IP and seek their agreement in the first instance. I would also look around as there are a number of schemes available that will help with efficiencies within the home ...we had cavity wall and loft insulation fitted for £250 ....our utility bills have since reduced by £10 per month...

[Gareth.hs]

Thanks luluj, we already have cavity wall, loft insulation and double glazed windows. Just the doors to do now, as there is quite a draft coming through the old doors and we could probably benefit from thermostatic control valves on the radiators. Seemed quite a good scheme from quick review but I'm expecting it would be classed as credit and not allowed through IVA. Just wondered if anybody else had tried, before I approach my IP (I think GT have got enough on their plate at the moment lol).

[Skippy]

Personally I would avoid it like the plague - a) because it's a government scheme and they are rarely a good idea and b) because I don't like the idea that it's linked to the property and if you move the buyer has to take it on - not a great selling point.

I would look into other schemes before making a decision.

[Gareth.hs]

I understand what you are saying Skippy but our options are fairly limited when in an IVA and some of the choices we make wouldn't necessarily be the same if we had better credit options or spare capacity to save. Do you know of any other schemes out there?

[Skippy]

It's the same out of an IVA as well Gareth - for various reasons I still don't have money to save!

I look at it from the point of view that I won't be living here forever and I don't think many people would take on a house with what is in effect a secured loan attached to it. I know I certainly wouldn't!

It's not something I've been looking into so I don't know of any other schemes - have you tried your energy supplier?