New build was sold to me without an EPC

mattwilkinson

I bought a new build property just over a year ago. I was given an EPC that had the plot number written on it, but in fact was for the neighbouring property. I've now found out that an EPC has never been issued and I am looking to sell the property so cannot go on the market until I have one. The builder has been less than helpful in sorting this and after two weeks of chasing has said it'll be 'some time in the new year'. If I pay for my own EPC I would need the building plans and I'm not sure how easy these would be to get either given how unhelpful they are. Any advice on what I can do please? 

RelievedSheff

I assume you have checked on the EPC website against your property?

https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

mattwilkinson

RelievedSheff said:

I assume you have checked on the EPC website against your property?

https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

Yes - nothing listed for my property (both houses either side are listed)

ComicGeek

It happens - the EPC assessor relies on the developer/builder confirming that the plot is complete, and providing all of the information to the assessor. I've had large projects where the developer has forgotten - technically the EPC should be checked as part of the Building Regs sign-off and before completion, but with the time pressures of new builds this does seem to be missed sometimes. For example, I've just been asked in the last hour for an EPC for a scheme which completes today - the quickest I'll issue the EPCs is tomorrow now, so someone will move in today before the EPC is issued.

You can always get an EPC completed on it yourself as an existing dwelling - so a RdSAP using a Domestic Energy Assessor, rather than an On-Construction EPC. That would be completed by a site survey rather than from the construction drawings. 

It's possible that the original EPC assessor will refuse to produce the On-Construction EPC a year on (I would, it's a big risk if you get audited), so personally I would just pay for getting the EPC done yourself. 

dimbo61

Costs about £50 so up to you if you want to wait till the builders have it sorted in the New year.
You should have one done when you bought the house. 
Your EPC should be a B or C at worst 

user1977

mattwilkinson said:

If I pay for my own EPC I would need the building plans 

What makes you think that? Pretty routine to do EPCs without any plans. And if you did need them, I'm sure they're readily available from the planning docs.

Ditzy_Mitzy

I've had EPCs produced for a flat in the past.  If memory serves it was no more complicated than arranging for the bloke to come round and do the test, and then paying his fee.  There's nothing special about it; plans and what have you certainly weren't required.  It's probably best to just get it done privately, to avoid further difficulties.

Doozergirl

user1977 said:

mattwilkinson said:

If I pay for my own EPC I would need the building plans 

What makes you think that? Pretty routine to do EPCs without any plans. And if you did need them, I'm sure they're readily available from the planning docs.

When you're building a house you have an EPC as per plans, then a second one 'as built'. 

Comic Geek has covered it off though.  

ReadingTim

My EA threw in a free EPC as part of the listing, so try and negotiate it when you're selecting an EA. Otherwise it's chargable, but not massive money.  The same bloke did mine as took my photos and did the floorplan, which might give you an idea of the value and use of them....