Frequently Asked Questions

Domestic Energy Performance Certificates

• How much does a domestic EPC cost?

Please fill out our online form and we will reply to you with a quote for your domestic EPC.  Our most competitive prices can be achieved by booking online.

• How long is a domestic EPC valid for?

The domestic EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of the assessment (as shown at the top of the report).

• ​Does the property need to achieve a certain rating?

​​It depends on what you are using the EPC for...

1. For rental properties, from the 1st April 2018 changes to legislation made it unlawful to let residential or commercial properties with an EPC rating of F or G.  
2. For sales, the requirement is to have an EPC, regardless of what rating is achieved.
3. For renewable energy grants and feed in tariffs, you will need to find out from the specific scheme as to whether a particular rating needs to be achieved.

• Do I need a new EPC if I make a change to my property?

You are not required by law to have a new EPC every time you make a change to your property.  You may however choose to update your EPC if you feel that it would make a significant improvement to your rating.

• How long will the inspection take?

On average the inspection will take 30-40 minutes, although this can vary depending on the size and shape of the individual property.

• Do I need to be at the property during the inspection?

You don't need to be present during the inspection.  If you would like us to, we are happy to collect keys from your estate/letting agent, in order to carry out the inspection.

• ​What areas of the property do you need to access during the inspection?

The Assessor will need to gain access to all areas of the property, including the loft space, heating systems, meters, garage, airing cupboard, basements, and every room within the property.  The Assessor is required to take photographs of these aspects, so good access must be provided.

• Do I need to prepare anything before you carry out the EPC?

Depending on your individual property, we may ask to see some written documentation.  If you know you have had cavity wall insulation added to your property since it was built, please have your Cavity Wall Insulation Guarantee Certificate to hand if you have one.  Likewise, if you have any Building Regulation Completion Certificates (for conversions, extensions or loft conversions), MCS Certificates (for renewable energy systems) or FENSA certificates, please have them available on the day.

• How will I receive my report once it is complete?

​​Please note that we cannot make your EPC available until we have received full payment for this service.  Once your report has been finalised by the Assessor, the report can be obtained on the EPC Register.​

• How can I make a booking?

The best way of making your booking is by using our easy-to-use Online Booking System.  You will be asked to enter all the relevant details regarding your property and also make payment online.  

• As well as carrying out an EPC, what else can I do around my home to save money on energy bills and help the environment?

We have some useful tips for energy saving around the home.  These are not related to the EPC (which is building specific) but our tips are small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your finances and the environment. 

• Will my personal details be passed on to any third party?

Your booking details will be passed on to the relevant third party assessor/company solely for the purpose of undertaking the job requested by yourself.  You can read our full Privacy Policy for more information.

• If I cancel my EPC appointment, will I be entitled to a full refund? 

You will be entitled to a full refund if you cancel your EPC more than 24 hours before the agreed appointment time.  If there is less than 24 hours notice, the full fee will still be payable.

Commercial Energy Performance Certificates

• How much does a commercial EPC cost?

Our fee for a commercial EPC is quoted individually per property, depending on the size and complexity of the building. ​

• How long is a commercial EPC valid for?

The commercial EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of the assessment (as shown at the top of the report).

• Does the property need to achieve a certain rating?

It depends on what you are using the EPC for...

1. For rental properties, it is now unlawful to let commercial properties with an EPC rating of F or G.  This applies to new tenancies as well as all commercial properties with existing tenancies in place.  
2. For sales, the requirement is to have an EPC, regardless of what rating is achieved.  A lender may however require a certain rating to be achieved.

• My property is an HMO, do I require a commercial EPC?

If the property is a purpose built HMO, then you will require a commercial EPC.  If the property was originally built as a standard residential dwelling (but is now used as an HMO), then you will require a domestic EPC.

• Are commercial EPCs kept on a national database?

Yes, the most recent commercial EPC that has been lodged for a property can be viewed on the online database.

• Will my personal details be passed on to any third party?

Your booking details will be passed on to the relevant third party assessor/company solely for the purpose of undertaking the job requested by yourself.  You can read our full Privacy Policy for more information.  

• How can I make a booking?

Please ask for a quote through our website.  If you are then happy to proceed, please respond to let us know and we will arrange an appointment time for you.

SAP Calculations

• Why do I need a SAP Calculation rather than a normal EPC on my property?
  

​The standard EPC is only for existing dwellings.  A SAP calculation is required for all new dwellings, conversions and some extensions.

• My property was an office before, and has been changed into a flat, do I need a SAP?

Yes, the conversion from non-domestic to domestic has created a new dwelling, so you will require a SAP calculation.  Where an EPC is required for a new dwelling under Building Regulations it must be a SAP EPC. Any new dwelling, including dwellings created by change of use, must be assessed using SAP.

• What if one large house has been split in to two houses?

​These will both require SAP calculations.

• I've been living in the property for a couple of years - does it still count as new?

​For this purpose a new dwelling is, in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, one completed on or after the relevant date. The relevant date is 6 April 2008 in E&W.  This means that if you building was built/converted after this date and you haven't already got a SAP calculation, you will require one.  We are not permitted to carry out standard EPCs on these building unless a SAP is already in place.

• Do you need to visit the property in order to carry out a SAP Calculation?

Our SAP calculations are carried out 'off plan' so we do not visit the site.  Please ensure you have plans available as we will ask for these, as well as detailed information about heating and ventilation and other building specifications.

• How much does a SAP Calculation cost?

Each job is individually quoted.  If you would like a quotation, please contact us using our online form.