There are two types of solar panel. Do you know the difference? Does it matter? PANELE SŁONECZNE Istnieją dwa główne rodzaje paneli słonecznych. Jeden wytwarza energię elektryczną, a drugi służy do podgrzewania płynu wspomagającego podgrzewanie ciepłej wody użytkowej. Panele fotowoltaiczne lub „fotowoltaiczne” wykorzystują energię światła słonecznego i przekształcają ją w prąd elektryczny an . Jest on zasilany przez falownik do sieci zasilającej i jest pod każdym względem „darmową energią elektryczną”. Jeśli zostanie wygenerowane więcej, niż potrzebujesz, jest ono udostępniane sieci krajowej, która płaci za to w formie rabatu na miesięczny rachunek. Panele słoneczne do podgrzewania wody nie wytwarzają energii elektrycznej, lecz wykorzystują słońce do ogrzewania bardzo wydajnej cieczy termicznej, która jest pompowana z panelu do drugiego elementu grzejnego w zbiorniku ciepłej wody użytkowej. Pomaga to podnieść temperaturę wody, a tym samym zmniejsza ilość gazu zużywanego przez kocioł. Ponownie „swobodnie” dostępne źródło energii. Prawdopodobne jest, że w obu przypadkach konieczna będzie konserwacja systemów z corocznymi przeglądami serwisowymi.

The pros and cons of underfloor heating. What to do, what to avoid. OGRZEWANIE PODŁOGOWE Ogrzewanie podłogowe stało się popularną formą ogrzewania pomieszczeń. System może być elektryczny lub częściej zasilany przez gazowy system centralnego ogrzewania (innymi słowy ciągła rura prowadząca ciepłą wodę). Ruszt grzewczy jest szczelnie zamknięty w jastrychu betonowym, co umożliwia przenikanie ciepła przez wykładzinę podłogową (laminat lub dywan). Aby uzyskać maksymalną wydajność, lepiej jest uruchamiać system przez dłuższy czas w stałej temperaturze otoczenia niż ciągle go włączać i wyłączać (rozgrzanie trwa dłużej niż w przypadku tradycyjnego grzejnika). Każde pomieszczenie będzie miało własny termostat lub „kontroler strefowy”, co oznacza większą kontrolę nad temperaturą. Jedną z mniej oczywistych zalet ogrzewania podłogowego jest swoboda ustawiania mebli przy wszystkich ścianach – co utrudniają tradycyjne systemy grzejnikowe.

This explains what a new home build defect is and how to report one Your home is a unique product, hand built from a wide variety of traditional and modern materials. It is possible that following occupation you may encounter minor problems as the building dries out and settles down. Before you take ownership of your new home, your developer should arrange for you to walk around the property and identify any last minute snags which will require rectification. At that stage, anything you agree needs attention, shall be the developer’s responsibility to complete. HOW TO REPORT A DEFECT Before you report a defect please refer to our ‘warranty checklist’ which explains what is covered. Your new home has the benefit of a 10 year warranty which has been arranged by your developer with a UK industry recognised warranty provider. The warranty policy belongs to you, and your solicitor or conveyancer should hand the policy to you when you complete. It is advisable that you spend a little time reading this as there is a lot of useful information that will help you obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new home. During the first 2 years of this warranty the developer remains responsible to manage any defects that may occur. This is known as the ‘Builder’s Rectification Period’ (previously the ‘Builder’s Liability Period’). WHAT IS A DEFECT? A ‘defect’ is a breach of any mandatory warranty requirement by the developer. Those items generally not included would be: Fence Temporary structure (garden or bicycle shed) Swimming pool Lift Electrical or electronic items (whether built in or not) excluding fixed wiring, lighting system, heating system, air conditioning, smoke alarms, waste disposal units or water softening equipment installed at the date of the insurance certificate. CO MUSISZ WIEDZIEĆ CO MUSISZ WIEDZIEĆ It is important you check for damaged items within the property and follow the developer’s specific policy for reporting these (typically on legal completion). Usually you will be required to sign a handover form confirming that you are satisfied with the condition of the building and its contents. In particular (but not exclusively) items such as: Wall and base cabinets Sanitary ware Glass and tiles Fitted appliances Sinks and worktops Damage to properties caused by storms or extreme weather conditions is not covered by your warranty and shall remain the home owner’s responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) such items as roofs, tiles and fences. In the event of such an occurrence you should contact your insurance provider. If you live in an apartment we suggest you contact the managing agent. Damage caused by accidental or improper use will not be covered by the warranty. This will remain the homeowner’s responsibility. Your developer is not responsible for the general maintenance of your property – as the home owner you are. Except in emergencies, you will need to report your defect by either following your developer’s instructions or, by using the Occupant Portal, if this is something your developer has arranged for you. Using the Occupant Portal is fast and convenient. NOTES 1. Scratches and marks to glazing and walls are determined in natural light (only) at a distance of 2 metres (or 3 metres for toughened glass). 2. If it’s necessary to carry out work in your home please ensure the area concerned is cleared of furniture and personal belongings before the designated operative arrives as they will not have time to do this for you. 3. On occasions it may be necessary for the operative to attend more than once (e.g. certain decorating works require a period for paint to dry before applying a second coat). 4. If you forget an appointment this may substantially delay making another one.

There's simply no substitute for having the right number to hand when you really need it. Here's our list of really useful telephone numbers. UŻYTECZNE TELEFON LICZBY Może się zdarzyć, że zwrócisz się o wskazówki lub porady do dowolnej liczby branżowych lub profesjonalnych organizacji pomocniczych. A znalezienie numeru telefonu, którego potrzebujesz – akurat wtedy, gdy jest to potrzebne, może być frustrującym wyzwaniem, dlatego wymieniliśmy tutaj większość oczywistych i przydatnych numerów. Linia Pogotowia Gazowego 0800 111 999 Siatka krajowa 01926 653000 Licencjonowanie telewizji 0300 555 0286 Bezpieczny gaz 0800 408 5500 Biuro Porad Obywatelskich 0800 144 8848 Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich 0300 555 0333 Rzecznik Mieszkaniowy 0300 111 3000 Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich 01722 333306 Rzecznik Finansowy 0800 023 4567 Usługa rzecznika praw obywatelskich ds. nowych domów 0330 808 4286 Citizens Advice Bureau 0800 144 8848 Legal Ombudsman 0300 555 0333 Housing Ombudsman 0300 111 3000 Property Ombudsman 01722 333306 Financial Ombudsman 0800 023 4567 New Homes Ombudsman Service 0330 808 4286

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. Occupant portal Jeśli jesteś nowym właścicielem domu i masz „usterkę”, którą musisz zgłosić, może się okazać, że deweloper przygotował portal dla mieszkańców, który będzie powiązany z Twoją inwestycją. Jeśli mają, to świetna wiadomość, ponieważ oznacza to, że możesz stąd uzyskać dostęp do portalu i zgłaszać problemy w dogodnym dla siebie momencie. ZNAJDŹ SWÓJ PORTAL Unless your developer has a dedicated portal address (look below) - then the default portal is: Managing Your New Home. PO ZBUDOWANIU Większość zmian OTWARTY PORTAL DOMY WIGGETTÓW Wszystkie opracowania Wiggett OTWARTY PORTAL TELEREALNE TRILLIUM Wszystkie rozwiązania telerealistyczne OTWARTY PORTAL DOMY HIVE Wszystkie projekty Hive OTWARTY PORTAL BOKLOK Wszystkie Rozwój Boklok OTWARTY PORTAL ULICA DERE Wszystkie inwestycje Dere Street OTWARTY PORTAL DOMY BEAUFORTÓW All Beaufort Developments OTWARTY PORTAL DOMY WIGGETTÓW Wszystkie opracowania Wiggett OTWARTY PORTAL SYTUACJE AWARYJNE Nigdy nie używaj portalu dla mieszkańców do zgłaszania sytuacji awaryjnych. Zawsze postępuj zgodnie z procesem wyjaśnionym przez programistę.

Here's an invaluable index of all the things we know every new homeowner will need at some time in those early couple of years. KUPIONY A NOWY DOM? Oto wszystko, co myślimy o Tobie kiedykolwiek będzie musiał wiedzieć. OUR LIST 1 Introduction 2 What you need to know 3 Report a defect 4 Report an emergency 5 Moving in 6 Warranty checklist 7 Top tips 8 Plumbing 9 Decorating 10 Appliances 11 Light bulbs 12 Solar panels 13 Underfloor heating 14 Security alarms 15 Smoke and heat alarms 16 External 17 Managing Agents 18 Useful telephone numbers 19 How-To videos 20 Instructional videos

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. SHOWER Is the problem ... There is no water coming from the shower head ? Guidance: If this is the first time you have used the shower, be sure you have understood the controls fully. If you are certain that you have, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code NWSH and state: * Bathroom or ensuite (nothing else, no explanation, just this ). The water is cold ? Guidance: If this is the first time you have used the shower, be sure you have understood the controls fully. Also, check to see if you have hot water available through the tap at the wash hand basin. If the water is cold there also, check your programmer to make certain that it is set to produce hot water. If all appears fine, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code SWC and state: * Bathroom or ensuite (nothing else, no explanation, just this ). The waste water is not emptying fast enough ? Guidance: Typically this could be a blockage caused by a build up of soap and hair. All shower wastes need frequent clearing - use a 'drain un-blocking' fluid available at most supermarkets. Otherwise report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code WWND and state: * Bathroom or ensuite (nothing else, no explanation, just this ). The shower frame is leaking ? Guidance: Be certain first that you are full closing the door. If that is not the problem, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code SFL and state: * Bathroom or ensuite (nothing else, no explanation, just this ). The shower tray is leaking ? Guidance: Be sure that this is not due to the fact that the water is not draining quickly enough and as a result the tray is overflowing. Otherwise report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code STL and state: * Bathroom or ensuite (nothing else, no explanation, just this ). SELF-DIAGNOSIS Useful checklist If you have just moved in, here are some important reminders: APPLIANCE WARRANTIES Don't forget to complete all of the warranty cards for your fitted electrical appliances. Keep a copy and send them off to the manufacturer. Should you ever need to report a fault, you know they will have proof of your cover. BOILER SERVICE Make a note in your diary to book a service in 12 months time. Failure to maintain annual services could invalidate your warranty cover. WATER AND GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE Make sure you (and other responsible members of the household) know where to find the shut-off valves for water supply and (if applicable) gas. METER READINGS Make a note of your meter readings for your electricity supply, water and gas (if applicable). Keep it somewhere safe. HOW TO ... There are various 'maintenance' tasks you will need to perform around your home, from time-to-time. Take a look at our 'How To ' videos.

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. DLA PROGRAMISTÓW ARCURA Jeśli napotkasz problem z produktem lub instalacją firmy ARCURA i chcesz go zgłosić firmie ARCURA, skorzystaj z formularza Portal to zrobić. Zostałeś wstępnie zarejestrowany, a szczegóły przesłane do Ciebie e-mailem. Jeśli ty chcesz zgłosić problem, po prostu „ZALOGUJ SIĘ” i przejdź do „ZGŁOŚ NOWY PROBLEM”. Kiedy zgłaszasz a nowy problem, ważne jest, aby podać następujące informacje:

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. PORTAL Concerned you may have a problem that needs reporting? You could go straight to the Occupant portal and describe your problem, OR save time using this Quick and Easy self-diagnosis tool (report your problem using a simple code, rather than lengthy description). Jeśli jesteś nowym właścicielem domu i masz „usterkę”, którą musisz zgłosić, może się okazać, że deweloper przygotował portal dla mieszkańców, który będzie powiązany z Twoją inwestycją. Jeśli mają, to świetna wiadomość, ponieważ oznacza to, że możesz stąd uzyskać dostęp do portalu i zgłaszać problemy w dogodnym dla siebie momencie. Do you live in ... AN APARTMENT ? or ... A HOUSE ? SELF-DIAGNOSIS

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. ELECTRICAL Is the problem ... A wall socket has got no power ? Guidance: Unplug any appliance and check that the RCD at the electrical consumer unit hasn't tripped. If it has it may be the appliance that is faulty. Test it by plugging a different appliance into the socket and see if it remains live. If so, this is not a defect, however if the socket is dead in all circumstances, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code WSNP and state: * Hall * Type - 3 pin or 3 pin with USB (nothing else, no explanation, just this code) . A light has stopped working ? Guidance: Check that it is not the bulb by replacing with a new bulb. Check that the RCD at the electrical consumer unit hasn't tripped. If it's not the bulb or the RCD report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code LSW and state: * W hich room * LED or strip or pendant (nothing else, no explanation, just this) . SELF-DIAGNOSIS Useful checklist If you have just moved in, here are some important reminders: APPLIANCE WARRANTIES Don't forget to complete all of the warranty cards for your fitted electrical appliances. Keep a copy and send them off to the manufacturer. Should you ever need to report a fault, you know they will have proof of your cover. BOILER SERVICE Make a note in your diary to book a service in 12 months time. Failure to maintain annual services could invalidate your warranty cover. WATER AND GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE Make sure you (and other responsible members of the household) know where to find the shut-off valves for water supply and (if applicable) gas. METER READINGS Make a note of your meter readings for your electricity supply, water and gas (if applicable). Keep it somewhere safe. HOW TO ... There are various 'maintenance' tasks you will need to perform around your home, from time-to-time. Take a look at our 'How To ' videos.

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. HALL (GROUNDFLOOR) Is the problem related to the ... CEILING ? or ... ELECTRICAL ? or ... FLOOR ? or ... HEATING ? or ... WALL ? or ... WINDOW ? SELF-DIAGNOSIS Useful checklist If you have just moved in, here are some important reminders: APPLIANCE WARRANTIES Don't forget to complete all of the warranty cards for your fitted electrical appliances. Keep a copy and send them off to the manufacturer. Should you ever need to report a fault, you know they will have proof of your cover. BOILER SERVICE Make a note in your diary to book a service in 12 months time. Failure to maintain annual services could invalidate your warranty cover. WATER AND GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE Make sure you (and other responsible members of the household) know where to find the shut-off valves for water supply and (if applicable) gas. METER READINGS Make a note of your meter readings for your electricity supply, water and gas (if applicable). Keep it somewhere safe. HOW TO ... There are various 'maintenance' tasks you will need to perform around your home, from time-to-time. Take a look at our 'How To ' videos.

The most convenient way to report a build defect or snag to your housebuilder. ELECTRICAL Is the problem ... A wall socket has got no power ? Guidance: Unplug any appliance and check that the RCD at the electrical consumer unit hasn't tripped. If it has it may be the appliance that is faulty. Test it by plugging a different appliance into the socket and see if it remains live. If so, this is not a defect, however if the socket is dead in all circumstances, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code WSNP and state: * Which room * Type - 3 pin or 3 pin with USB (nothing else, no explanation, just this) . A light has stopped working ? Guidance: Check that it is not the bulb by replacing with a new bulb. Check that the RCD at the electrical consumer unit hasn't tripped. If it's not the bulb or the RCD report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code LSW and state: * W hich room * LED or strip or pendant (nothing else, no explanation, just this) . Your TV receives no signal from the aerial/dish socket ? Guidance: Check that your TV set is tuned to receive a signal. If you want to receive Sky TV you must first have a subscription to that service. If everything appears to be fine, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code NTVS and state: * Which room (nothing else, no explanation, just this) . Your telephone has no dial tone when plugged into the master socket ? Guidance: Be sure that you have informed your telephone service provider that you have moved and that your line is connected to your new number. If you are using a re-chargeable phone, make sure that it is charged first and that the base unit is powered up. If everything appears fine, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code NDT (nothing else, no explanation, just this code). The media panel is defective? Guidance: If any of the sockets are failing to provide a connection to a media device, report it as a defect - all you need do in the description box is quote the code NDT (nothing else, no explanation, just this code) . SELF-DIAGNOSIS Useful checklist If you have just moved in, here are some important reminders: APPLIANCE WARRANTIES Don't forget to complete all of the warranty cards for your fitted electrical appliances. Keep a copy and send them off to the manufacturer. Should you ever need to report a fault, you know they will have proof of your cover. BOILER SERVICE Make a note in your diary to book a service in 12 months time. Failure to maintain annual services could invalidate your warranty cover. WATER AND GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE Make sure you (and other responsible members of the household) know where to find the shut-off valves for water supply and (if applicable) gas. METER READINGS Make a note of your meter readings for your electricity supply, water and gas (if applicable). Keep it somewhere safe. HOW TO ... There are various 'maintenance' tasks you will need to perform around your home, from time-to-time. Take a look at our 'How To ' videos.