Log book initiative comes to boil

The long heralded home log book could be brought in by the back door if an initiative by exasperated boiler makers takes off. The new Benchmark scheme aims to address the £4m-£5m annual cost of manufacturer call-outs to remedy domestic boiler faults and will specifically target “rogue installers”.

Its instigators promise a “carrot and stick” approach, offering training for installers and a Corgi-branded log book. However, they are also warning that installers responsible for frequent manufacturer call-outs could be charged.

Central to the proposal, which has achieved wide industry backing, is the log book. This will be retained by the homeowner and contains contact details for the boiler installer and commissioning engineer, appliance and control details and a commissioning check list. It also includes a record section for ten services, modelled on vehicle service history forms.

“The DETR has shown a lot of interest in this initiative,” says Benchmark chief executive Alan Johnson. “I think the idea of a log book for the whole house is very ambitious, but the future may be breaking it down into specific, measurable parts, like the boiler and controls. Something like this can also help to reduce CO2 emissions by improving efficiency.”

The scheme was officially launched to the trade last month, with October scheduled for its promotion to the public when Benchmark hopes that log books will come as standard with all new boilers. A telephone information service is to be established and manufacturer training courses will include Benchmark details. An installer accreditation scheme, possibly administered by Corgi, is also under consideration. Such proposals, hot on the heels of increased responsibility for plumbers under the new Water Regulations, suggest some sort of licensing for installers may not be far off.

However, Johnson is keen to stress that the scheme is aimed at raising standards, not contractor bashing, maintaining: “Reputable, professional installers have nothing to fear from this scheme but, aside from the cost to the industry, we can no longer accept the hassle and inconvenience that thousands of our customers are put through every year because of law breaking rogues obsessed with the lowest possible price.”

Backers of Benchmark include Baxi, Caradon, Potterton and Vaillant, controls group TACMA, water heating organisation WMA, the Builders Merchants Federation, the Institute of Plumbing and the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors. Benchmark can be contacted on 01799 543660.