Heating included: what system and installation work?
“Heating included” is not a complete specification. Before comparing offers, ask for the heat source make, model and capacity; the controls and heat distribution included; the work needed to connect and commission the system; and the documents you will receive. The site design can change the equipment and work, so have the supplier confirm the offer against your project and list exclusions in writing. [1] [2]
- Ask for the heat source make, model and capacity, plus the proposed system design and any hot-water equipment. [1]
- List heat emitters, pipework, controls and thermostats, and state which rooms or areas they serve. In England, the 2026 Approved Document L guidance, which takes effect from 24 March 2027 subject to transitional arrangements, covers heat pump controls and insulation for building heat distribution systems. [2] [3]
- Name who handles electrical or site changes, building-control certification and any work by other trades. [3]
- Require commissioning records and applicable compliance certificates as handover deliverables; an MCS-certified installer should provide an MCS commissioning certificate within 10 days of completion. [2] [3]
What equipment does the price cover?
The offer should identify the heat source and its proposed capacity, not just say “heating system.” It should also name any hot-water cylinder, buffer vessel or other dedicated equipment, and clarify whether the price includes delivery, mounting, connection and any required enclosure or ground array. Ask for the system design or equipment schedule that the supplier used to price the home. NHBC’s 2025 Technical Requirements, for homes with NHBC cover, treat heating appliances and flues as services critical to performance and require suitable products and satisfactory design. This is a UK warranty example; check the rules and warranty conditions that apply where you are building. [1]
Which controls and heat distribution are included?
Get the supplier to list how heat reaches each room: for example, radiators, underfloor heating or another distribution system, with the areas served and any stated exclusions. Ask which thermostats, room controls, valves, sensors and wiring are included, and who supplies and fits them. For new work in England, the 2026 Approved Document L guidance takes effect from 24 March 2027, subject to transitional arrangements. The guidance covers heat pump controls and insulation for building heat distribution systems, among other topics. A bare equipment name does not tell you which controls or distribution work the offer includes. [2]
Where does the supplier’s work stop?
Heating can cross several trades and the boundary between factory work and site work. Ask who installs and connects the equipment, distribution pipework, electrical supply and controls; who makes any required changes to the electricity supply or the building; and whether another contractor must provide access, a base, penetrations or finishing. UK government guidance specifically advises buyers to ask whether other tradespeople are needed, whether the electricity supply needs upgrading, and who will complete the whole installation. Put the answer and each excluded cost in the offer. [3]
Who commissions the system and hands over the records?
Name the party responsible for testing, adjusting and commissioning the complete installed system, including any subcontracted work. Specify that the handover includes operating instructions, equipment and warranty details, commissioning records and applicable compliance documents. The 2026 England guidance covers commissioning and installation of fixed building services, the role of competent person schemes when installing a heat pump, and routes for certifying fixed building services installations. The guidance takes effect from 24 March 2027, subject to transitional arrangements. GOV.UK says an MCS-certified installer should provide an MCS commissioning certificate within 10 days of completion. Confirm which documents apply to your system and location instead of assuming one certificate covers every requirement. [2] [3]
What should you send the builder?
Ask the supplier to attach a dated equipment schedule and site-specific design to the offer, then reply in writing to these points: What exact heat source and hot-water equipment are included? Which emitters, controls and rooms are covered? Which connections, electrical changes, site works and finishing are excluded? Who commissions the full system, not just the main appliance? Which certificates, commissioning records and operating instructions will you receive, and by when? If any answer is an allowance or depends on a later survey, ask what would change the price and who approves the change. [1] [2] [3]