Commercial EPCs

Commercial EPCs are now mandatory for most commercial properties more than 50sq metres which are being bought, sold or leased. All EPCs are accompanied by a report with recommendations about how the building can be made more energy efficient.

Failure to produce an EPC on a commercial property that can result in a fine of up to £5,000. EPCs are valid for 10 years, but is recommended that EPCs are renewed within that period if improvements are carried out.

We recommend our local colleague, Alan Rance who can be reached on 01525 220786 or 07962 457456 to carry out your commercial EPC.

Domestic EPCs - guidance Notes for Property Owners

  1. Most properties require between half an hour and an hour for the inspection. Large, complex properties are likely to take longer.
  2. Please ensure that pets and other animals are secured in order to allow a full and safe inspection to take place.
  3. The inspector is not permitted to enter the property unless a supervising adult of at least 16 years of age is present.
  4. Please ensure that children are well supervised during the inspection as some tasks are potentially hazardous (e.g. the opening of access traps).
  5. Sealed traps are not opened but a more conclusive assessment may be issued if you can have these unsecured in readiness for the inspection.
  6. Furniture, personal effects, and fitted floor coverings are not moved.
  7. Inspection of any boilers, hot water cylinders or other heating appliances is extremely important; please ensure they are accessible if at all possible.

Further Guidance Notes (additional details).

  1. An appointment will have been made for the inspector to call at an approximate time on a date convenient to you. If for any reason there is a need to alter the appointment or if factors arise which delay the arrival of the inspector, you will be contacted to advise of the circumstances.
  2. On arrival the inspector will identify himself or herself by name. The inspector will not be offended by any reasonable check you may wish to carry out to ensure you are satisfied as to their identity.
  3. The time that the inspection takes will of course vary according to the size and complexity of the property. It is not possible to state precise times for the duration of the inspection but typically, for most homes it is expected that between half an hour and an hour will be needed. This may be somewhat less for a simple, modern property, but could be significantly longer for a large or complex property. If requested, after an initial appraisal, the inspector may be able to give you some guidance as to the likely duration of the inspection.
  4. The inspector will need access to all the accommodation in the property. The inspector will endeavour to work around any limitations, such as leaving inspection of a room until a little later if, for example, an elderly or infirm person has been unable to vacate a bedroom or other accommodation at an earlier time.
  5. It will be appreciated, and ensure that the inspection is carried out as smoothly as possible, if pets and other animals are secured and that any risks of the inspector’s presence provoking potentially dangerous animal behaviour are eliminated.
  6. The inspector is not permitted to open secured traps (i.e. access traps into roof, cellars or other voids that are sealed shut with screws, nails, paint, tape etc.) nor to move heavy furniture, surface coverings or goods to gain access to such areas. If at all possible, it is requested that such sealed traps as can be opened up without undue difficulty are made accessible by you prior to the inspector’s need for access.
  7. It is particularly important for the inspector to see the heating appliances wherever possible, including any boiler and hot water cylinder which may be present. If at all practical, it would be much appreciated if these components are accessible.
  8. Certain tasks, such as opening access traps etc. could present hazards, especially to small children. It is requested that children are kept safe from such hazards during the inspection and are also prevented from distracting the Home Inspector.
  9. The inspector is not permitted to enter the property unless a supervising adult of at least 16 years of age is present.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION

If you have any queries regarding the inspection requirements please contact
Assess Energy