Domestic EPC

A Domestic EPC rates how efficient a dwelling is using grades A to G. The most efficient homes are 'A' rated and typically represent those with the lowest fuel bills. Similarly, the EPC also illustrates the environmental impact of the property, with those achieving reduced carbon dioxide emissions attracting higher ratings.

The certificate includes recommended measures, which can be incorporated by the building owner to improve the energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

It is a legal requirement that all existing domestic dwellings in the UK have a valid EPC before they can be sold or let.

In April 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards made it a legal requirement for all privately-owned properties to have an EPC rating of at least an 'E' before they are sold or let. The legislation applied to both domestic and commercial properties, although there are some exemptions. If a property is a listed building, for example. Those who fail to make the necessary changes will be subject to the appropriate fines: up to £5000 for domestic dwellings.

Achieving an EPC which illustrates a reduced environmental impact and fuel bill savings can provide a more marketable proposition to potential buyers and can increase the sale value.

If renting, the landlord is legally responsible for commissioning and bearing the full cost of the EPC. The EPC should then be made available to all prospective tenants free of charge either when a viewing is conducted or when any written information about the building is provided following a request from a prospective tenant.

An EPC is valid for 10 years. If your property was built before 2008, it may be ready for renewal.

Contact us to get an instant, competitive quotation. With a nationwide network of accredited assessors, we can help you obtain an EPC hassle free.

We offer a no obligation online quotation based on the size, location and complexity or your project. To obtain an instant, competitive quotation please click here.

Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the methodology specified by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. The methodology determines how much energy a dwelling will consume based on standardised usage. This is then applied to the calculation to measure the impact of various building elements, including but not limited to thermal performance of materials, efficiency of space and hot water heating systems, levels of ventilation, solar gain and the integration of renewable technologies etc.

A new-build energy performance certificate is generated by automatically extrapolating the information from the SAP calculation and converting the score (1-100) into a legal document which is more transparent and user friendly.

The energy performance of existing dwellings is assessed using a condensed version of the methodology referred to as Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP), which was introduced in 2005 as a low-cost method.

Only fully qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA's) are able to lodge a RdSAP (existing dwelling) EPC. Furthermore, all of our assessors are subject to an annual Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to provide you with peace of mind.

Once a convenient appointment has been arranged, the onsite inspection will take approximately 1 hour to complete. The final EPC will be issued within 48 hours after the site inspection.

• 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 sq.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 license 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