Domestic Energy Assessments
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed for most domestic properties being marketed for sale.
Only accredited energy assessors will be able to carry out
assessments to produce Energy Performance Certificates.
Trafford Surveyors
employ in-house
BRE-accredited
Energy Assessors, who produce EPCs for all types of properties. If you think you may need an EPC please get in touch with
our professionally trained team for more advice and assistance. See below for some FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions Section
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC will tell you how energy efficient
a home is on a scale of A-G.
The most efficient homes, and therefore ones with the lowest fuel bills, are in band A.
The EPC will include recommendations on how to improve the home's energy efficiency and therefore how
to save you money and help the environment.
Back to top
Who can provide an EPC?
Only professionally qualified Domestic Energy Assessors with
a Domestic Energy Assessment Diploma can provide this service. The main governing
body is the
Awarding Body
of the Built Environment (ABBE). The other two awarding bodies
are City and Guilds and the National Association of Estate Agents.
Back to top
Who is responsible for obtaining an EPC?
For buildings that are to be sold, the owner/vendor will be responsible for
ensuring an EPC is available. This should be made available to any potential purchaser,
and provided to the eventual purchaser before a contract for sale is made.
Back to top
What are the benefits of having an EPC?
For rental properties, the energy rating can help rent out your property.
They indicate to a prospective buyer or tenant how energy efficient your home is.
It should also provide information that may help to reduce the running cost of the property.
Back to top
What buildings will be exempt from providing EPCs?
Some buildings are exempt from providing an EPC. Please check with your
local provider for clarification on current legislation.
Back to top
Will EPCs be required for rented accomodation?
Yes from 1 October 2008, the EU requires that Energy Performance Certificates
will need to be provided for all buildings when they are rented.
Back to top
How long will it take to perform an energy assessment?
The time taken to perform an energy assessment will vary according to
the size and nature of the property.
Back to top
Is an EPC required for the private sale of a home between two individuals?
Yes. The EU Directive requires that Energy Performance Certificates will need
to be provided for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out. A new Energy
Performance Certificate will be required for the Home Information Pack. Where
the Energy Performance Certificate is provided separately from a Home Information
Pack an existing Energy Performance Certificate may be used as long as it is still valid.
Back to top
What happens if my home gets a low rating?
This simply indicates your home could be more energy efficient.
During the inspection a number of recommendations to improve the energy efficiency will be identified.
Implementation of these could not only increase your rating and reduce carbon emmissions but also save
money on energy bills. It is up to you whether you implement the recommendations or not.
Back to top
