What is an EPC?

 

The Letters EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate.

This is a legal document that is required for any property in the UK that is being marketed for Sale or Rental. An example of the certificate can be seen on the right of this page. You may have seen one before but not necessarily known what it was?

In Brief an EPC will give information in relation to running costs for a property in terms of Heating, Lighting and Hot water, the additional information may contain recommended action to improve the efficiency of a property and the associated costs and savings you could expect.

 

Does my property need an EPC?

If you are trying to sell or rent out any property in the UK then YES you require an EPC. Unless your property comes under one of the following:

 

• Places of worship

• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years

• Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres

• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy

• Some buildings that are due to be demolished

• Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy

• Listed buildings - you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character

• Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year

 

What happens if i do not have an EPC?

Failure to have an EPC for your property if trying to sell or rent a property could result in an immediate fine of upto £1000. You could also be removed from or fail to be added on property marketing websites such as www.rightmove.co.uk or www.onthemarket.com

 

 

What is assessed and how?

The property is assessed in an visual way only, The assessor will NOT drill holes, move bricks or tiles etc. Paperwork may be requested to back up findings or to confirm details of things like the construction style of the property, date of installs and extra insulation that has been implemented since the original build (Cavity wall insulation, underfloor insulation etc)

The specifics of the survey will vary slightly on each property. Key areas for inspection are Wall, Floor and Roof construction, Insulation Levels and Locations, Heating & Lighting systems and local utilities. After All the information is collected on site, the DEA will process the information and award the property a Energy Efficiency rating between A - G (See Image Right).

 

What do the Letter ratings mean?

 

The Letter A is in relation to very high energy efficiency ratings and may not cost as much to inhabit than other properties. The letter G at the other end of the scale implies the property has a very low energy efficiency and it may be worth investigating what could be done to improve the energy rating, which in turn could save you money.(See the recommendation section of the certificate)

 

How Long does the property inspection take?

In most cases less than 2 hours. As a rough guide a standard family home will take approximately 40minutes to 1 Hour on site to gather the required evidence and survey notes. The remaining information, calculations and rating allocation will be completed away from the property.

 

How Long does it take to get the Certificate?

Upon a visit by the DEA(Domestic Energy Assessor) The Certificate is normally issued within 5 working days. As a fully Accredited and authorised DEA I offer a Next Business Day Turnaround on EPC's subject to conditions.

 

How long is the certificate valid for?

Once Issued, the EPC is valid for 10 Years. It is lodged against the Government Landmark registry and can be accessed by visiting The Register 

 

Can I do the EPC myself?

No, only Accredited Domestic Energy Assessors such as Lee Jones with the correct qualifications and expertise can inspect properties and issue the certificate.

 

 

 

 

If i have further questions before or after the survey how can i have them answered?

 

Either use the Government website: 

https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates

 

or

 

Click  the Contact Page to ask Lee directly.

 

We can provide an EPC Service in Stamford, Bourne, Rutland, Grantham, Lincoln, Newark, Sleaford, Horncastle and surrounding areas.

 

To Book an Appointment or Discuss Your Property Marketing Needs

Contact Lee on 07709790625 or send a message via our Contact page.