With regulations on landlords now stricter than ever, getting a draft EPC can be a great way to avoid unnecessary hassle down the line.
EPCs are calculated using software that is increasingly difficult to predict; with every update to building regulations, the software is updated, and the way ratings are determined changes. This new software means current commercial EPCs could easily drop a grade next time they are updated, even if nothing about the building has changed. With framework introduced this month, it is more important than ever to ensure a good rating on your Energy Performance Certificate.
MEES means trouble for poor EPC ratings
As of April 2018, under new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, if the EPC rating of a commercial property has a rating of lower than E, the landlord will not be allowed to let the property, and will be liable to pay a fine of up to £150,000.
Get a draft EPC
By getting us to do a draft EPC, you can get a tailored recommendations report with suggestions of how best to improve the rating of your property when the time comes to get a new report. Our surveyors will look at things like your heating system, insulation, doors and windows to see how energy efficient your home is. They will then give you a plan to improve the current rating of your home, with options of both high and low-cost measures.
EPCs last for ten years. Being prepared means that before this time is up and you need a new EPC, you can put measures into place to ensure you maximise your rating when the time comes. Working with our assessors means you can ensure a rating or ‘E’ or above when you have your real survey which gets lodged and the results listed.
Steer clear of guesswork
Another tip we’d always give to those wanting to maximise their EPC ratings is to make sure you list the most accurate information possible relating to your property. It can seem easier to use default information for things like insulation, heating systems and glazing, when you don’t have the numbers to hand. However, it can be well worth finding information on the specific models in your home, rather than forcing your EPC assessor to estimate.
Give your assessor some warning if you need help finding the relevant information for your home. Replacing defaults – and the extra few points you could get as a result – could be really worth your while. If, for instance, you’re at the top of the F band, this could push you the last few points you need to get up to an ‘E’. Now that MEES is in place, this could be the difference between you being allowed to let your property or not.
Maximise property value
Potential tenants and investors are starting to take not of EPC ratings these days. A more efficient home means cheaper bills for those living in the property, and less work for property developers if you ever come to sell. Therefore, it can be really worth your while to make sure your property has the best chance of a good rating. All potential tenants and buyers are legally entitled to see this information before making any decisions.
For all the reasons above, it is worthwhile to think about getting a draft EPC and making some changes to ensure your commercial property is attractive to potential tenants, and most importantly, that it doesn’t land you with a hefty fine! London EPC can help increase your asset values and minimise risk. Be sure to take these tips into account and get in touch if we can help you further!