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Home Energy Inspection - Home Inspectors Guide for HIPs

Energy advice for home buyers and sellers regarding  home energy performance certificates produced for home packs. (HIP).

Home Energy Efficiency

Every home that is marketed for sale must have an Energy Inspection as part of a HIP (Home Information Pack), which details a home’s energy efficiency. In order to issue a certificate it is necessary to conduct a survey of the property either by a qualified DEA (Domestic Energy Assessor) or a Home Inspector (HI). From October 2008 an EPC is required for rental property by property owners who wish to let their property.

Rented Property EPC - more information relevant to the private landlord.
Social Housing EPC - more information relevant to RSL's - Registered Social Landlord's and Housing Associations
Public Buildings DEC - information relating to the Display Energy Certificates
For domestic homes get the facts about Energy Performance Certificates


Whether you are a home seller, and in future, conduct property lettings, you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate when you sell your home, or let your home. We have compiled a register of independent accredited EPC providers who are licensed to carry out EPC Surveys, a listing is provided below, you can select to find a EPC provider in your local area.

An EPC Energy Performance Certificate provides a rating for your home in its present condition and also a rating for its potential if certain energy saving improvements are undertaken. The overall assessment is based on a sliding scale of A to F, where A is the highest level (i.e. most efficient) and G (less efficient). To simplify the rating scales a similar method to that used for home appliances (e.g. fridges, freezers etc) was adopted.

Typical ratings are shown below for home assessment.

EPC Ratings

There are many factors to consider when calculating the ratings for an EPC for every home, as each house is different.

The basic criteria for assessment include:

Building Construction
Age of construction
Number of windows and type
Volumetric calculation of all floors
Method of heating and controls used
Levels of insulation (lofts and walls)
Thermal properties of adjacent buildings
Heat losses
Fixed lighting efficiency
Renewable energy sources i.e. solar panels, domestic wind turbines for example.
The factors detailed above are noted, and, using computer software an overall rating can be obtained, together with recommendations for improvement where required.

Once completed, the EPC can be delivered to the homeowner, and/or, their representative, for inclusion in the home information pack (HIP). A unique reference number is applied to every Energy Certificate and the assessor can supply a web address so that you can view your EPC online. Remember it is better to instruct a local independent domestic energy assessor, the energy certificate remains your property, as you purchased it, therefore you own it. If you instruct an estate agent to act on your behalf to compile your Home Information Pack, the same rule applies. Instruct an independent Home Pack Provider, this will ensure that all the documentation belongs to you - the home seller. A listing of independent providers is available, refer to Home Information Packs.

How long is an EPC valid for?

The EPC is valid for as long as the new homeowner remains in the property before moving again, or in the case of the same property coming back on the market again in the future, then another assessment would be required, commercial buildings certificates are valid for 10 years from the date of the original epc's inception date, more information about Commercial Buildings Energy Assessment and how this will affect property managers.

Landlords and Tenants

Currently a landlord who rents a property to a tenant can voluntarily carry out an assessment for the production of an EPC on the property that they own.

From October 2008 it will be mandatory for an assessor to conduct a survey of the rented property for the production of an EPC. 

The landlord/owner of the property would bear the cost of the EPC. Estimates suggest that there are approx. 2.5 million homes in the rental sector which would be affected by this legislation.

When buildings are to be rented out, the landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid certificate is made available to all prospective tenants.

Validity & Issue Of Certificates

When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner.

An Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented out. An EPC is valid for 10 years, except for sales of homes which are subject to the Home Information Pack. The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by the seller or a landlord to a prospective buyer or tenant at the earliest opportunity and no later than:

When any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information received from the prospective buyer; or, when a viewing is conducted; or

If neither of those occur, before entering into a contract to sell or let.

An energy performance certificate does not have to be made available if:

The seller believes that the prospective buyer or tenant is unlikely to have sufficient funds to purchase or rent the property or is not genuinely interested in buying or renting that type of property; or

The seller or landlord is unlikely to be prepared to sell or rent out the property to the prospective buyer or tenant.

For new build homes an EPC will be required, such properties have an energy rating assigned by a SAP Assessor.

Timescale

Homes will require an EPC on rent from 1 October 2008.
Commercial buildings > 10000m2 will require an EPC on rent from 6 April 2008 and all remaining commercial buildings will require an EPC on rent from 1 October 2008.

Some types of property are exempt from HIPs and EPC’s see HIP Exemptions.

EPC - Commercial Property Energy Performance Certificates - Further details about the implementation of display energy certificates for public buildings and Commercial, Industrial property and buildings.

What is a SAP Rating?
Find out more about the ratings system applied to residential property and home energy certificates, find ways to improve your energy rating for your house before an inspector visits your home. Simple measure can improve cost effective with a short payback time. Find out more about: cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and heating and boiler controls improvements.

How can I improve my rating?
Consider improvements to your property - Find out more about cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and heating and boiler controls improvements to your home, including energy saving tips and advice.

Carbon Footprint
Facts about your home's environmental impact

Snagging
New build property inspections defects checklist, applicable to new homes. Find out more about snagging inspection of new homes.

HCR
Home Condition Report (HCR) - Property Sellers Information about optional Home Condition Reports. Home Condition Reports can only be carried out by a qualified Home Inspector (HI). 

Directory of independent energy companies and business listings for energy assessor and home inspector, energy assessors. Find DEA & HI inspectors in your local area. for England & Wales.

Energy Performance Certificate - EPC Energy Performance Certificates.

HIPs - HIP Providers National company register.

Home Information Packs - New regulations commence uk wide for Home Information Packs from August 2007. Do you know what is required in a home pack?. Home information pack HIP. Get the answers here in our Home Information Packs home sellers online guide, including DIY Home Information Packs Do-it-yourself HIPs information. Find the latest information including exemption from the Home Information Pack.

CRB Checks - A Home Inspector and DEA require CRB checks for more information please refer to CRB Check

Professional Indemnity Insurance - Home Inspectors - Get a quote for professional public liability insurance cover. An HI and DEA are required to have indemnity  insurance cover, further information on covers and cheap insurance, including liability insurance quotes are available here.

Commercial EPC - Energy Performance Certificates - Further information about commercial property and buildings energy ratings.

EPC - Energy Performance Certificates Providers England & Wales
Use an independent EPC provider for your estimate or quote for an Energy Certificate or Home Condition Report (HCR).
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