Q & A
Where did EPC's come from ? EPC's are an outcome from the European Union Directive 2002/91/EC, inspired by the Kyoto Protocol that aimed at cutting back on energy consumption and ecological deterioration due to CO 2 emissions.
When did EPC's become a legal requirement ? The Directive became European law on 4 January 2003. Member States, including the UK, had three years in which to implement the Directive – i.e. the provisions had to be transposed into UK Regulations by January 2006. A transition period applies until January 2009 for States who did not have sufficient assessors by January 2006.
Are they required in N.Ireland ? Yes - EPC’s in N.Ireland are being implemented jointly by The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and The Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department for Social Development. HIPs ( Home Information Packs) will not be a requirement in NI, but EPCs will be produced as stand-alone documents. Articles 3-6 of the EPBD were implemented through an update to Building Regulations in November 2006. They became a legal requirement in N.Ireland on 30 June 2008.
What does the energy certificate show? Energy Performance Certificates display an energy rating for a building based on its energy efficiency rating from A to G. An ‘A’ rating shows that it is very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while ‘G’ is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions.
How long does the certificate last for? EPCs are currently valid for 10 years and do not need to be recalculated for resale unless a property was been altered in a way that may affect the rating. With buyers better informed, builders and landlords have a greater incentive to incorporate energy-efficient technologies and designs into their buildings, in return for lower running costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
How long does a survey take? In addition to travel time, most domestic surveys take around an hour with calculations and data input continued back at our office. We can normally have your EPC forwarded to you within 48 hours of the survey.
How much does a domestic EPC cost? Our fully inclusive prices are based on property size, to include building survey, data lodgement and electronic EPC transfer – we do not charge for travel time or fuel costs! Order online and save an additional £10 as it reduces our admin costs - we will get back to you normally under 2 hours to arrange a suitable appointment time.
Our Prices:
Type Web price Phone price
1 bed £55 £65
2 bed £65 £75
3 bed £75 £85
4 bed + £85 £95
How do I pay for my EPC? For your convenience and security, online payments are made via Paypal when you complete your online order. However, we are happy for you to pay our surveyor directly at the time of survey if that is preferable.
Are you in my area? Our assessors cover most of N.Ireland to help you meet your legal EPC obligation as easily as possible. We cover:
Co.Armagh: Moira to Lurgan & Crossmaglen
Co.Tyrone: Dungannon to Omagh & Strabane
Co.Down: Newry to Banbridge & Newtownards
Co.Antrim: Lisburn to Belfast & Larne
Co.Fermanagh: Lisnaskea to Irvinestown & Enniskillen
Co.Londonderry: Magherafelt to Coleraine & Derry
What appointment times are available? Our Clients have the opportunity to have an assessment carried out at a time to suit them – just select a suitable time on our order form. Evening appointments are available too, so don't worry about taking time off work - we even do Saturdays due to current demand. Forget the perception of property professionals only working 9 to 5, without you we wouldn't have a business - so we work hard to help you order an EPC around your lifestyle demands.
What information do I need for the surveyor? It is our aim to create an assessment that is as accurate as possible and would appreciate if you could help us by:
- Providing guarantees or invoices for installations such as, heating boilers, double glazing, insulation etc.
- Having a responsible adult at the premises for the duration of the inspection, unless the property is vacant.
- Making all parts of the property accessible, including basements and attic spaces – we bring our own ladders.
- Ensuring that all pets are locked away in an ‘out house', or off the premises.
- Putting away jewellery and anything that could be easily broken.
Need to ask anything else? Call us on 028 3752 6050 or e-mail: info@emersonarchitect.com
Fully informed? Order now!