Do I need to pay the VAT on radiators I purchase?

Please note, this article only acts as a guide to the VAT situation regarding radiators. This is not a government publication and the rules and regulations are often amended.

Not surprisingly, homebuilders and renovators are always keen to keep the costs down on any project, but this doesn’t just mean shopping around for materials. It can also help to identify any opportunities for reducing your potential VAT bill.

Value Added Tax or VAT is a tax that is levied in the UK on all non-essential items. When building or renovating a house, there are a number of conditions in which you can have the VAT waived on your radiators or claim a refund from the taxman, otherwise known as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

VAT on your radiators may be zero-rated or refunded if:

1. The radiators are to go in a new build or new extension;
2. The radiators are part of a conversion or renovation; or
3. The radiators are for a listed property.

However, tax is a complicated subject and this issue can be a potential minefield. There are many specific criteria that you and your project need to meet before your purchases including radiators can be classed as VAT exempt.

1. New builds or extensions

In order to be eligible for VAT exemption on materials for a self-build such as radiators, the property or extension you are building must meet all of the following criteria:

· It must be a “dwelling” that you personally will be living in.
· It must be self-contained living accommodation without internal access to other, different dwellings.
· It cannot be sold, leased, rented or used as a B&B.
· It cannot be accommodation that is separate from the main house, if that accommodation could not be sold separately from the main house i.e. granny annexes.
· It cannot be a detached swimming pool, playroom, workshop or similar as these are not classed as “dwellings”.

If your build meets the criteria above, then you may be able claim VAT back on some, but not all, of your costs and purchases for the new build.

VAT can be claimed back on building costs incurred and goods that are provided on a “supply and install” basis. These purchases may include incorporated building materials, fitted furniture and appliances that are built in, wired in or plumbed in including radiators and wired in electric central heating systems.

You cannot claim a VAT refund on appliances that are only “plugged in”, garden items such as sheds or any home furnishings.

So in order to have the VAT zero rated on your radiators, then you need to pay for them along with their installation, otherwise you are not purchasing “fitted” products and VAT is chargeable.

By far, the easiest solution to this is for your tradesperson (builder, plumber, heating engineer, electrician, etc.) to buy and install your new radiators. As long as they are VAT registered, then they may be able to zero rate your bill. They can then claim a VAT refund on your behalf through their own business.

2. Converting or renovating properties

Some costs incurred when converting or renovating properties may be VAT exempt, however a number of rules apply and, in this context, a conversion is not the same as a renovation.

“Conversion” means a property is being changed from non-residential use into a “new dwelling” or has not been used for residential purposes for over 10 years. If this is the case then many of the same rules apply as per “new builds” detailed above. In this situation, costs such as the installation of new radiators may not be VAT exempt but it may be charged at a significantly reduced rate.

“Renovations” are not normally considered new dwellings. They only qualify for a VAT reduction when they have been uninhabited for more than 10 years, so it would be unusual to be able to claim a VAT refund on radiators for a renovation.

Again, merchants cannot zero rate purchases; it is only VAT registered installers that can do this, as they are able to claim the VAT back through their business.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to pay for the goods yourself, then you can personally submit a claim to HMRC for fitted goods that have been installed in the property you are converting or renovating. Only one claim can be submitted following completion of the project and there is usually a time limit on this.

3. Listed properties

If you can get alterations to your listed property approved, then you may, in certain circumstances, be able to claim a VAT refund on some items. Again, the “supply and install” rule applies, so if you wanted to claim the VAT back on radiators for instance, then it is advisable to arrange for them to be purchased and fitted by a VAT registered tradesperson.

Are there any other opportunities for VAT exemption?

Not that we are aware of, however customers do often enquire about other situations where they may believe the goods they purchase such as radiators may be exempt from VAT, but are not; for instance, if a customer is registered as disabled.

If you or a resident of your property is registered as disabled then you may be able to claim the VAT back on work done or products purchased for adaptation of your home. However, these adaptations must be made in order to assist directly in aiding the resident with the disability. Unfortunately, radiators are not classed as directly aiding a disabled person in the management of their disability so therefore radiators are not VAT exempt in this situation.

Consumers also often believe that VAT should not be charged on delivery charges they may incur, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Deliveries are classed as a non-essential service, so VAT is always payable. Some VAT registered companies are not aware of this rule and so, incorrectly, they do not charge VAT on deliveries.

So I am eligible to claim some VAT back, how do I go about this?

So if you meet the criteria as detailed above, and can prove it, then your property may be VAT exempt or you may be eligible to claim the VAT back on qualifying goods and services.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs states that VAT must always be paid at the time of purchase of goods, even if the property qualifies for zero VAT.

You can allow your builder to take on this job if he is VAT registered. If they are purchasing materials on your behalf, then they can zero rate your bill and then claim back the VAT at the end of the project.

If you choose to claim it back yourself, then you need to submit a claim form to HMRC detailing the materials and work you believe should be due a VAT refund.

Please be aware, HMRC imposes strict deadlines for claims and failure to meet these deadlines could result in significant losses for either the homeowner or their contractor.

Conclusion

In summary, VAT costs are often a significant factor when deciding whether or not to undertake a self-build or renovation project. Due to the potential size of the refund you may be entitled to, it is imperative that you contact HMRC directly regarding your particular situation. Information provided can be contradictory and therefore you always need confirmation that you are eligible to claim and what goods and services are VAT exempt. It is also vital that you speak to any potential contractors in advance to ensure that they understand the situation and that they are happy to zero rate where possible.

For more information on claiming VAT back on radiators specifically, then contact a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators. You can speak to their team in person at their West Yorkshire showroom, call them on 01274 567789 or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Help when choosing or installing radiators

Homeowners and renovators that are considering installing new radiators, whether it be traditional cast iron, contemporary models or towel rails, often get a bit stuck on a few of the technical aspects they need to consider.

Feature Radiators, a radiator specialist, confirmed that their customers often ask them the following questions:

1. Do I want a radiator with side or underside connections?

2. Do I need angled or straight radiator valves?

This article tries to help answer those questions by providing a clear explanation of the subject.

So what is the relevance of whether a radiator has side or underside valve connections?

The location of the valve connection points on a radiator should be considered as they determine:

· Whether straight or angled radiator valves are required; and

· The total width of wall space needed to accommodate a radiator once it has been installed.

Side Connections = angled valves required

Radiators with side valve connections (bottom opposite ends) are the standard connections used on traditional steel panel and cast iron radiators. Side connections mean the valves will be situated on either side of the radiator.

On a radiator with side connections, you need angled valves where conventional pipe work is used. Add approximately 150mm to the width of the radiator to give the total width needed to accommodate the radiator and valves once installed.

Many radiators including all cast iron and standard steel panel radiators have side valve connections.

Underside Connections = angled or straight valves?

Radiators with underside valve connections are a good choice where only a narrow space is available. This type of connection allows the valves to sit neatly underneath a radiator, as opposed to protruding either side, meaning less space is required.

When a radiator has underside connections, either straight or angled radiator valves are required, depending on where the pipes are coming from.

· If the pipe work comes up from the floor = straight valves are required; but

· If the pipe work comes out of the wall = angled valves are required.

Most heated towel rails and many contemporary radiators now have underside connections.

For more information on choosing and installing radiators and valves, then contact a specialist such as Feature Radiators. You can meet their expert team at their West Yorkshire showroom, call them on 01274 567789 or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ where they have a comprehensive list of FAQs.

Spring cleaning brings new models to Feature Radiators

Spring is in the air, so our thoughts don’t necessarily turn to heating, but as summer approaches now is almost the perfect time to perform maintenance on or upgrade your central heating system and radiators. The new season always brings exciting new products to the radiator market and this year is no exception.

Feature Radiators, for example, are particularly pleased with the latest additions they have selected for their range. They are keen to show them off so last week was dedicated to re-vamping the displays at their West Yorkshire showroom; it’s out with the old and in with the new.

New models on display include Alchemy – a range of high output aluminium radiators stocked for quick delivery in 4 funky finishes, Crest – an exclusive, highly efficient and very well priced vertical radiator available from stock in both white and “anodised” finishes and iRad Picture – a practical, slimline electric radiator with a choice of stunning graphic images printed on the front face.

New products coming in has led to a number of older products going out, the suppliers are keen to clearout and as a consequence are offering fantastic deals on last year’s radiators. For instance, Feature Radiators are offering a number of products for sale from their Clearance range that are from brand new stock but now discontinued. Look at the Tubo Minor, Mini Hot Spring and Riva as examples of stunning designer radiators, on sale at hugely discounted prices.

Showroom makeovers also lead to a wealth of ex-display models being available at rock bottom prices, such as Feature Radiators’ Bingley Warehouse Stock Clearout, giving you the opportunity to purchase designer radiators starting from only £50 + VAT.

To see a comprehensive selection of brand new radiators or discontinued and ex-display products, visit the Feature Radiators' website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/, or better still, speak to their expert team either via phone on 01274 567789 or in person at their West Yorkshire showroom.

*Bingley Warehouse Stock Clearout radiators are for collection only. These items are either ex-display or cancelled orders so must be inspected personally by the customer prior to sale and are sold as seen.

How warm is your house?

Feature Radiators considers an article written by the BBC that asks the question; should we be turning the thermostats down on our central heating?

“Spring is in the air in the UK, but it will be weeks - if not months - before the nation's radiators switch off. The average indoor temperatures of British houses are creeping up now central heating is the norm, and double glazing and insulation are added to older, draughtier homes.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that consumer demand for heating has changed.

“Forty years ago, few houses had central heating, and chilly hallways and spare rooms dragged the average temperature down. Radiators now warm rooms that previous generations wouldn't have heated - corridors, bedrooms, and bathrooms.” (Lane, 2011)

But it appears that lowering room temperatures, or even turning radiators off, isn’t enough to adequately reduce our energy use.

“Dropping it [average indoor temperature] to 16C - the lowest setting in this virtual world - only shaves 7% off carbon emissions. Even if we all get in the habit of wearing woollies inside, this will still feel chillier than usual to most people.” (Lane, 2011)

So what else can we do to reduce our energy consumption, whilst maintaining our home comforts?

“David MacKay, the DECC's chief scientific adviser, practises what he preaches in his once draughty semi-detached 1940s house. As well as adding double glazing and insulation, he has turned the heating right down. He hopes that insulating more homes, smarter thermostats and "the promotion of sweater-wearing by sexy personalities" will encourage more people to follow suit.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that energy efficiency gained through increasingly effective technology is key, alongside a good dose of common sense.

“So will smart thermostats and radiator valves help, allowing homeowners to target heat where it's needed at different times in the day? Experts say technology can do only half the job. A smart thermostat is only as smart as the person operating it.” (Lane, 2011)

So get smart. Investment in double-glazing, improved insulation and thermostatic controls will mean an initial financial outlay, but these options can dramatically reduce your carbon emissions as well as your heating bills.

For more information on efficiently heating your home or ways of minimising your energy usage, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit them at their West Yorkshire showroom or http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Lane, M. (2011). How warm is your home? [Online]. 3 March 2011. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12606943. [Accessed: 21 March 2011]

Hot Gossip! - Radiators of the stars

Hot off the press is the news that radiators are the latest topic on many celebs’ lips! No longer an ugly necessity in our homes, radiators have recently undergone a major make-over and regularly feature in the properties of well-known celebrities. Radiators are now also stars in their own right, appearing on many of our most popular British TV programmes.

A certain style icon has been seen eyeing up posh radiators recently, but this spicy lady isn’t the only celebrity to be upgrading the radiators in their home.

Rumour has it that ‘it’ girl, multi-millionairess and owner of net-a-porter.com, Natalie Massanet, has been renovating her luxurious London base with the inclusion of some Etonian cast iron radiators. Jamie and Jules Oliver have chosen the same radiators to add to the warm, family feel of their Primrose Hill property.

Colin and Justin, TV stylists and presenters of 60-minute makeover, admit to their love of fabulous, feature radiators. A premiership footballer opted for particularly “striking” radiators that curl around the walls of his contemporary home. And rock ‘n’ roller, Shakin’ Stevens loves Classic radiators in his Buckinghamshire palace.

A well-known hotelier has installed the latest in electric radiators, iRads, alongside stunning stainless steel towel rails from the Alpine range in their stunning country house hotel. Movie star and model, Saffron Burrows chose suitably stylish electric heating from the Bordo range in her London home.

Celebrities can be demanding; a certain engineering enthusiast requested radiators hanging from the ceiling when sourcing top gear for his home. Interiors expert, Naomi Cleaver, required an unusually shaped towel warmer in green for her latest, particularly personal, project, her new home:

'I located the rather amazing company, Feature Radiators, who are making me a "landscape" towel rail in a sprayed coloured finish at the excellent price of £300'

Cleaver, N. (2011), Naomi’s New Home [online] Available at: http://naomicleaver.typepad.com/naomis-new-home/ [Accessed 14 March 2011]

And its not just celebrity cribs that feature designer radiators, the latest in interior products also have a starring role in many popular TV series.

More than cast iron alibis have been needed in the Queen Vic recently, as cast iron radiators are now also appearing, tying in with the Victorian architecture of this world famous pub. Feature radiators regularly appear in popular interior design and renovation programmes such as DIY SOS, Grand Designs and Sarah Beeny’s Property Ladder. The infamous Big Brother houses regularly showcased the latest in contemporary heating such as a Bench radiator and even Harry Hill’s TV Burp, known for its classic comedy, has Classic radiators on set.

For more information on radiators that grace the homes of the stars, or heating that features on stage and screen, then contact Feature Radiators, www.featureradiators.co.uk, 01274 567789.

Radiators for those with dust allergies

Which radiators should you install to help minimise the symptoms caused by allergies to dust, dust mites or other air borne particles?

If you are allergic to dust, or other air borne particles, then you should avoid installing radiators that work by convection.

Convection radiators circulate air and accordingly will cause dust to be circulated around the room. Such movement of dust will aggravate the allergy.

You are best to look for radiators that work by radiating heat, as opposed to convecting heat, as these designs cause less air and dust movement so are a better choice.

Popular radiators that work by radiation are made of cast iron or stone, so are a good solution for those who suffer from dust allergies. Examples of suitable cast iron radiators include the best-selling Etonian from Feature Radiators or one of their ornate designs such as the Liberty. Stone radiators such as the Marbella offer the ultimate in radiant heat as well as the luxury of organic finishes such as limestone, marble and granite.

Other options to consider are radiant panel heaters, electric radiators or glass and mirror radiators. For instance, Feature Radiators' iRads are a range of electric radiators that radiate heat from the front panel and their slimline, flat design minimises the collection of dust.

Consider the ability of the radiator to retain dust and the ease of cleaning. Flat panel radiators that are easy to wipe down lend themselves particularly to those who suffer with allergies. Have a look at the Dansk Flat Panel or Carat central heating radiators from Feature Radiators, that offer mimimalist style along with easy cleaning.

Also, it is advised against drying clothes on radiators, as humidity can exacerbate symptoms.

For further information on suitable products, it is worth contacting a radiator specialist or expert such as Feature Radiators. Their team can provide practical and affordable yet attractive solutions to meet any specifications and are used to dealing with all sorts of unusual requests.

For more information contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit their showroom at The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2HL or their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Painting cast iron radiators

So you have sourced some wonderful reclaimed cast iron radiators, or you want to refurbish your Victorian period radiators, but what is the best way of bringing them back to their former glory? What is the best way of painting cast iron radiators?

Below are a few tips to achieving a stunning yet hard-wearing finish on cast iron radiators.

1. DON’T power coat!

Some companies offer a powder coating service on cast iron radiators. This method can produce a fabulous finish, BUT... cast iron radiators are not designed to go through the high oven temperatures and prolonged baking process involved in powder coating. Many experts advise against this option as there is a very real risk that the seals between sections will be damaged during baking which will lead to leaking radiators. For this reason, powder coating will invalidate the manufacturer's guarantee on modern cast iron radiators.

2. DO use cellulose or acrylic based paint

There is no need to use expensive specialist radiator paints. You can achieve a perfect finish using cellulose-based paint or acrylic-based spray paint. For instance, car paint is perfect for radiators as it is designed to cope with extremes of temperature and be tough enough to withstand relatively intense wear and tear. If you like the look of powder coating, then a similar looking end result can be achieved by using products like "Plasti-kote", a spray paint available from many DIY stores.

3. DON’T use water based paint

If you use water based paint on cast iron you will almost certainly end up with orange “rust blooms”. Some “specialist” radiator paint is water based and even has a picture of a cast iron radiator on the tin but use this at your peril!

4. DO spray paint rather than brush paint

Cast iron’s textured finish is forgiving, so a good paint finish is easily achievable. If you are planning on painting the radiators yourself by hand, then we recommend using spray paint as it is difficult to reach into the middle columns and achieve a consistent finish using a brush.

For more information on painting cast iron radiators, then speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators. http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ 01274 567789