Services

For dwellings we can provide energy assessments for both new build and existing buildings.

For new-build dwellings we work with developers and architects to produce SAP reports and EPCs, to show that an as-designed (and subsequently as-built) building complies with Part L of the Building regs. Prices vary according to size and complexity of the building, so we require plans for the proposed dwelling to provide a quotation.

We produce as-built EPCs for dwellings around the Wellingborough area. Prices start from £55 for one- or two-bedroom, £65 for three- and four-bedroom properties. Larger properties are individually quoted – please provide postcode and/or what3words location for the property. Quoted prices include lodgement and we do not charge VAT.

We will always provide draft EPCs for buildings that would not be legal to let under the current MEES regulations and seek confirmation before lodging the EPC.

Domestic enquiry

We offer consultancy as to how to improve an existing property’s EPC rating, this is
especially relevant with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, which means that it is illegal to let properties in that do not meet the required rating.

These reports are relevant for commercial properties as the EPC’s Recommendations
Report does not provide a step-by-step guide to improve a property’s rating.

To produce a MEES report, it is first necessary for us to produce a draft EPC, we can then model energy performance improvements to achieve the required rating. When undertaking this work, we will strive to suggest improvements that are realistic and minimise the disturbance to occupiers.

MEES Enquiry

We also produce Display Energy Certificates (DECs) for publicly funded buildings such as schools and clinics, that have an area of over 250 square metres.

Unlike an EPC, a DEC is an Operational Rating for a building, it is based on the building’s:

• size (Gross Internal Area).
• Energy usage over a year.
• usage, a school will be rated against other schools and not, for instance, a
  swimming pool.
• There is also an allowance made for buildings that are open for more than the expected number of hours per year.

Buildings over 1000 square metres require their DEC to be renewed every year, for those between 250 and 1000 square metres it is only every ten years.

The production of a DEC always requires an initial survey, so that our assessor is ‘familiar with the building’. The norm is to produce a Recommendations Report at the same time (which are valid for seven years), although if the building has a valid RR this might not be necessary.

If no material changes are made to the building, a DEC can be renewed with no further site visit until the Recommendations Report expires.

The production of a DEC requires the energy consumption data for a year (unless it is a brand-new building), for renewal reports this must exactly follow on from the previous year.

DECs Enquiry