Vat bathroom alterations

[norm]

I am intending to re do our bathroom (new suite, minor alterations etc) and heard that the works may be Vat exempt/free - does anybody know the vat rules on this? Our property is grade II listed.

Also we are going put in some additional radiators - will these be vat free?

Thanks
Norm

 

[GK]

Well, you're radiators won't be vat free if you buy them yourself in the usual way.

The works MAY be zero-rated, if they are an 'alteration' and the alteration requires, and has, listed building consent.

Does replacing your bathroom suite require listed building consent? I doubt it, unless it has significant historical importance, in which case you might get a refusal!

Installing 'additional' radiators might well qualify for zero-rating, as vat notice 708 specifically states, extending wiring and plumbing is an alteration.

I know my own CO wouldn't entertain an application for lbc to install radiators - he would just say get on and install them. So that would disqualify the zero-rating, no lbc, no zero-rating.

I included full details of my proposed heating system with an application for some changes that do require consent, so now I just need to find an installer who will zero-rate the work. You have to issue a certificate for the installer to retain with his records, which I *think* you fill out yourself, a kind of self certification.

Is it all worth it, I ask myself. So far I have reclaimed precisely £0.

 

[Penners]

I am in the middle of a programme of works on a listed building, all of which have LBC, and I'm doing everything myself.

I contacted the VAT authorities to ask whether I could get a refund of the VAT that I pay on materials for these works. Their reply was a flat "no".

In order to get the work done without VAT being charged, you have to get a VAT-registered builder to do it, and you have to satisfy him that he can legitimately invoice you free of VAT.

Incidentally, you can't get VAT waived for repairs - only for new works. I know, it's crazy, but it's the law!