The Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) is being formally launched on 26 March, and with some powerful backing.
The scheme provides manufacturers and constructors of system-built homes, and their customers, with the means to have components and finished buildings independently verified regarding fitness to support long term loans.
The aim is that BOPAS-assured homes, whether modualr or manufactured, will be deemed sufficiently durable to be mortgageable for a minimum of 60 years. While the construction industry continues to move towards offsite construction and panel systems, conservative mortgage lenders continue to prefer bricks and mortar to prefabs.
The BOPAS scheme has been jointly developed by Buildoffsite, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Lloyds Register, Building LifePlans Ltd (BLP) and major UK banks. The Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Building Societies Association have also been involved.
The Scheme comprises 3 elements:
• A durability and maintenance assessment carried out by BLP
• Process accreditation carried out by Lloyds Register
• An online database to give valuers, lenders and surveyors details of BOPAS-certified housing units. Details of accredited designers, manufacturers, constructors and building systems will also be included.
For more information on the BOPAS scheme, see http://www.buildoffsite.com/bopas.htm
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