Home energy certificate

GaryBC

£47. I might have been able to shave off a bob or two but decided it's not worth the effort!
It's value? Beyond being a mandatory condition of sale? Who knows! 

ComicGeek

Very, very few are significantly wrong though.

Without deconstructing the whole house, the EPC at least gives a good indication of what to expect energy wise. They have to use assumptions as assessors haven't worked out yet how to see through walls and floors, but the process of applying assumptions is clearly set out in the conventions and checked through regular auditing.

There will always be a few that slip through and aren't useful (or in fact plain misleading), but the vast majority are absolutely fine for comparing different properties and understanding potential issues/options for improvement.

People who brand all EPCs useless are really missing out on key information. No doubt they will be the same ones complaining that their homes cost too much to heat, are too cold and full of damp. But at least it had a new pretty kitchen and a fresh coat of paint to keep it warm...

I remember back in 2008 we were looking at £120 per EPC to cover costs. That would probably have increased to around £250 per EPC with current costs. I'm not suggesting that everyone should pay £250 for an EPC, but equally you have to ask what you get for £47...

GaryBC

ComicGeek said:

Very, very few are significantly wrong though.

Without deconstructing the whole house, the EPC at least gives a good indication of what to expect energy wise. They have to use assumptions as assessors haven't worked out yet how to see through walls and floors, but the process of applying assumptions is clearly set out in the conventions and checked through regular auditing.

There will always be a few that slip through and aren't useful (or in fact plain misleading), but the vast majority are absolutely fine for comparing different properties and understanding potential issues/options for improvement.

People who brand all EPCs useless are really missing out on key information. No doubt they will be the same ones complaining that their homes cost too much to heat, are too cold and full of damp. But at least it had a new pretty kitchen and a fresh coat of paint to keep it warm...

I remember back in 2008 we were looking at £120 per EPC to cover costs. That would probably have increased to around £250 per EPC with current costs. I'm not suggesting that everyone should pay £250 for an EPC, but equally you have to ask what you get for £47...

I get a certificate I'm legally obliged to get. Nothing more. 

RHemmings

propertyrental said:

Exactly. That's why not worth looking at.

They give some information, e.g. type of construction, and will mention certain easily visible things like amount of loft insulation. I think that makes them worth looking at. 

35har1old

GaryBC said:

I'm after the cheapest. I'm getting it because I have to, not because I want one! 

What about the gas inspection?
The electrical report?

GaryBC

If the new owner wants to let it out it'll be up to him to get them. 

FreeBear

GaryBC said:

We are selling the family home. From what all the agents tell us nobody gives a s#1t about an energy certificate.

Sis invited me to have a look at a property a couple of weeks back. It had a G(11) rating which caused her some concern. When we viewed the property, it was abundantly clear why the EPC was so poor - Single glazed windows, no central heating (just a couple of portable heaters), and zero loft insulation. Recognised it was going to need a lot of work before we even pulled up outside. What really killed the idea was a major vertical crack going all the way up the back wall and a gap in the ceiling inside. This pointed to a serious structural defect with the possibility of the wall falling away from the rest of the house.

Oh, and the asking price was more than what neighbouring properties had sold for only a few months previous (with a D rating).

GaryBC

FreeBear said:

GaryBC said:

We are selling the family home. From what all the agents tell us nobody gives a s#1t about an energy certificate.

Sis invited me to have a look at a property a couple of weeks back. It had a G(11) rating which caused her some concern. When we viewed the property, it was abundantly clear why the EPC was so poor - Single glazed windows, no central heating (just a couple of portable heaters), and zero loft insulation. Recognised it was going to need a lot of work before we even pulled up outside. What really killed the idea was a major vertical crack going all the way up the back wall and a gap in the ceiling inside. This pointed to a serious structural defect with the possibility of the wall falling away from the rest of the house.

Oh, and the asking price was more than what neighbouring properties had sold for only a few months previous (with a D rating).

I blame the estate agent for "putting lipstick on the pig"! 

Spinybif

I would always look at EPCs for like properties nearby. Pick the assessor who gave the best rating. We have a rental, EPC D. EPC came up for renewal, assessor made different assumptions, now C. Good for next 10 years. 

user1977

35har1old said:

GaryBC said:

I'm after the cheapest. I'm getting it because I have to, not because I want one! 

What about the gas inspection?
The electrical report?

What about them? There's no requirement for a seller to get either of those.