A domestic EPC or Energy Performance Certificate will show you how much energy your build uses. The domestic EPC is used for all builds classed as domestic, which consist of any homes where individuals live. To either rent out a home or sell a home, you will need a current EPC.

The EPC will give your home an energy efficiency rating from A-G, A is the most energy efficient. You have to remember that having a good energy efficiency rating will not only help you achieve the highest rating on the EPC, but also ensure that your build is more efficient to run, meaning it will cost less in your monthly bills. In addition, it means that if you sell or rent, your build would be more tempting to prospective buyers/renters.

The domestic EPC doesn’t only allow you to gain insight into the energy efficiency of your build, but also gives you details about ways to improve it. To ensure you get the best from your build, you can speak to your energy assessor to help you make the changes needed to improve your build. Working with an energy assessor from the earliest possible stage will ensure you get the best from your build. It is always easier to get things right the first time than to go back in retrospect and fix.

A domestic EPC will be valid for 10 years. After this, if you’re looking to sell or rent, you will need to have another one carried out to ensure you meet the regulations. If you make significant changes to your build, you will need an updated EPC. If nothing dramatically changes, and you don’t decide to move, then you won't need an updated EPC.

There are some homes which are an exception to the rule and don’t need an EPC:

• • Temporary buildings

• • Buildings due to be demolished

• • Holiday accommodation, but only if it is rented out for less than 4 months across the year

• • Listed buildings

If you think your building doesn’t need an EPC, speak to an energy assessor, they can confirm if you are correct in your thinking.

There are many factors which your energy assessor will consider when carrying out your EPC, for example:

• • The size of the building

• • The lighting

• • The insulation

• • The heating system

• • The hot water system

• • The windows

• • The ventilation.

If you’re looking for help with your EPC, call ATSPACE. We will be happy to help and answer any of your questions.

ATSPACE was established in 2008 and continues to get bigger. We are committed to ensuring we provide a first class service like no other, while also ensuring that you comply with the relevant regulations. I am a property developer myself, so I fully understand the trepidation in attaining building compliance. I understand that the last thing you need is more stress when trying to build, and this is why ATSPACE is so important to me. I know what service I want, and the service I want to provide to our clients. ATSPACE offers leading design, consultancy and compliance for self-builders through to national house builders at any stage of your project.

Existing domestic EPC’s are there to ensure that you comply with the regulations, and so you know exactly how energy efficient your build is. Your EPC will show you where improvements could be made. This information is vital in ensuring that you get the best from your build and your EPC. Remember, the better the EPC rating, the more efficient your build will be, which means the lower your energy bills will be. It also means you will have a better chance of selling or renting your property. Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important in our society, and an EPC is your way to understand your build’s environmental impact.

To get the most out of your EPC, speak to an assessor at the earliest possible stage. They can walk you through the whole process and help you understand how to get the best out of your build.

ATSPACE has been helping clients since 2008, and we can help you too. We have the largest knowledge bank in the business, and we can offer free impartial advice on EPC’s and all other building compliance regulations.

What can we offer you?

• • Same day quote

• • Fast results

• • Expert knowledge in air tightness drawing review

• • Years of experience

• • Largest knowledge bank in our industry

Why not call us today?

Paul Whiffin ATSPACE Managing Director