Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions > Contractor Firm
Contractor Firm
With the Coronavirus am I still allowed to work on people’s properties?
Currently you can work outside whilst following social distancing measures, and inside with caution and following government guidelines. Please check officially before carrying out any work.
Can I provide finance to the customer?
Yes, you can arrange for finance through Oscar Onsite Finance . Oscar Onsite have partnered with one of the largest home improvement finance companies in the UK and Europe. Interest rates are very competitive and acceptance criteria has a low threshold to be reachable by more homeowners.
Are there grants available?
Grants for homeowners are constantly being released by government. Extraction is not a grant product at this time, but enabling works to get the property ready for reinstall after extraction are typically covered by grants as is the reinstall of insulation once the property is suitable to have it.
Is there an app for my phone?
There isn’t currently an Oscar Onsite ‘app’ but there are many digital and electronic platforms Oscar Onsite have developed to help you throughout your services.
Do I have to pay to be a member?
Yes, there are annual assessment and membership fees to ensure contractors are up to date with the latest HSE and standards and practices, please enquire to find out how we can benefit your company.
Will I get access to NVQ training?
Yes, we are proud to now offer the Oscar Onsite NVQ level 2 in either Cavity Wall Insulation Extraction and/or Cavity Wall Insulation Surveying through our Approved Training Centre.
How big is the market for CWI extraction?
15 Million homes in the UK have been fitted with retro-fit Cavity Wall Insulation, and it is estimated that up to 6 Million of these installations need to be extracted due to failure caused by many reasons. The only solution to remediate the home is to have the Cavity Wall Insulation extracted in full so that air can recirculate and dry out the walls. Enabling works should be carried out if insulation is being reinstalled. Cavity Wall insulation can save homeowners up to 33% on their heating energy costs, so it is one of the best products on the market for reducing heating energy costs when the Cavity Wall Insulation has been installed correctly.
Can Oscar Onsite help us to get UKAS accredited?
Yes, Oscar Onsite has relationships with UKAS accreditation bodies like the British Assessment Bureau who understand the Oscar Onsite training and accreditation provided by Oscar Onsite is a solid foundation to give additional assessments to companies seeking a UKAS accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions > Home Owner
Home Owner
How do I know I have an Oscar Onsite accredited contractor?
All our accredited contractors are competency checked and certificated and have the relevant qualifications. Contractor websites should display the Oscar Onsite logo and all contractors should have personal Oscar Onsite ID cards
Can I get finance for Extraction and other works provided by an Oscar Onsite member?
Yes, finance is available using this link. Finance is arranged through partner finance with ‘Improveasy’, One of the largest home improvement finance brokers in the UK who are in the European Top1000 brokers.
With the Coronavirus can I have people working on or inside my house?
Most works only require outside access and contractors will all abide by government guidelines at all times for their own safety and for that of the homeowners.
Are the people doing the work insured?
It is mandatory for companies who carry out this work to carry Public Liability insurance and Employee Liability insurance.
What happens if a mess is left?
All our accredited contractors have to make sure that the work site is maintained throughout the works and is sufficiently clean and tidy after the job is carried out in order for us to sign the job off.
Do I need to leave the property whilst the job is being done?
No, unless you are having Internal Wall Insulation installed you may be required to clear the appropriate rooms. Contractors will advise you of any such requirement but for Cavity Wall Insulation extraction there is no need to vacate your property while works are completed.
How much will membership cost me?
If you are a homeowner, it is free to become an Oscar Onsite member. This will keep you up to date with news from Oscar Onsite and if you utilise our Property Condition Report service you will have access to an online account where you can download your reports. This feature is being extended and will soon be available to all homeowners who register for a free account.
Is there a certificate on completion?
Yes, A Cavity Clearance Certificate is an independent check by an Oscar Onsite Technical Officer once the contractor has completed their works which is a mix of electronic evidence submission and;/or an onsite inspection. We will check the firm have carried out a full and robust extraction and/or install depending on the service and ensuring they have followed the Oscar Onsite process and methodology.
My cavity wall insulation has failed, am I covered by my insurance?
No, unless your insurance specifically states that it is, they will not cover damage that is the result of poor workmanship or aged failure. Insulation guarantees have proved not to be reliable leaving homeowners to cover the cost of works themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions > Extractor / Installer
Extractor / Installer
I need help with a technical question, who can you help me?
Call our Head Office on freephone 03335 77 66 55 or send us a message through our Contact Us page.
How do I update my installer listing on the Oscar website?
We try our best to keep all records up to date but if you have something that you want to be updated, please Contact us or call us and we will resolve it as soon as possible.
If I am an accredited Cavity Wall Insulation Extractor with Oscar Onsite and have been awarded some work, am I allowed to sub contract it out to another extractor who isn’t Oscar accredited?
Where your services have been offered in the credibility of being an Oscar Onsite member and trained accordingly, only accredited Oscar Onsite individuals can carry out the works. If you regularly use sub-contractors, you should ensure they get trained and accredited by Oscar Onsite for best performance.
I need some training to become Oscar accredited, where do I find a course?
We can arrange training in house at our Manchester Head Office within the iconic Hexagon Tower or you can access mobile training providing there are multiple trainees. Given the scope of modern technology online training sessions are available in most circumstances.
Is there an App I can use to record what work I have done?
As an Extractor and/or Installer, Oscar Onsite have developed online support technology to assist with Technical Monitoring and recording of works while in process for your protection and an ultimate enhanced experience for your clients.
How long is my Oscar Onsite membership current for?
Membership is currently an annual subscription basis to ensure that Extractors and/or Installers are always up to date with the latest training, Health & Safety requirements and all regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions > Associate
ASSOCIATE
Who can register for Associate Membership with Oscar Onsite
Associate memberships are for trade professionals, educational facilities, Councils, Housing Associations and other Stakeholders across the UK.
How much does it cost for Associate membership?
There are no costs to being an Associate member of Oscar Onsite. We aim to collaborate and share industry information for the betterment of all people involved in insulation and those responsible for the health and wellbeing of others.
Will I get news and updates from Oscar Onsite as an Associate member?
Yes, Oscar Onsite are just updating our newsletter service and all Associate members will have access to these along with dedicated one to one professional support as required.
Does Oscar Onsite cover all of the UK and Eire?
Yes, Oscar Onsite offers a National Service and has members across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and soon in Eire.