Landlords and EPC targets – Tenants want improved homes but not higher rents
3 years ago | 23 comments
Flats comply with Building Regs but still EPC D and E!
9:09 AM, 4th October 2023, 3 years ago
14
Hello, why doesn’t compliance with Building Regs in 2020 automatically result in an EPC C rating?
I converted a derelict Mixed Use building in Hastings into four new flats which involved a complete strip out including new floors and internal walls, double-glazed windows, UFH etc. Plans were approved in 2017 and the flats were signed off by Building Control in 2020 (just before the first COVID lockdown).
The development is all electric; three of the flats are rated EPC E and one is rated EPC D ( in spite of it having the benefit of a dedicated 4KW solar scheme). I recently had the flats re-assessed as I thought that the EPC ratings should have been at least a C given that Building Regs determine what U values are required for floors, walls etc. However, the EPC’s still don’t meet EPC C which I struggle to understand.
I am advised that all electric schemes are penalised to the extent that the method of power generation is assumed to be coal and the benefits of solar generation are ignored!
Assuming that Labour wins the next election and reinstates EPC deadlines, I am at a loss to see what measures I can take to achieve EPC C without very extensive modifications to the building.
Does anyone have any bright ideas?
Thanks,
Peter
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Member Since August 2020 - Comments: 6
7:43 AM, 7th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Bill Clark at 04/10/2023 – 13:59
Hi Bill,
Thanks for your input.
The UFH used is a high efficiency Norwegian system (Warmfloor UK if you would like to check the spec). The system is significantly more efficient than other conventional heating systems commonly used in the UK.
Best Regards
Peter Varley
Member Since August 2020 - Comments: 6
7:59 AM, 7th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Kat Scott at 05/10/2023 – 12:43
Hi Kat,
Thanks for your input.
As mentioned in the original post, the building was a complete strip out i.e. back to the brickwork / masonry with new floors and internal walls. The architect specified thermal and acoustic insulation, windows, etc i.a.w. building regs current at the time; the plans were approved by an excellent independent BC officer well known locally. The build was signed off at completion by the same BC officer. The Norwegian electric UFH system is more efficient than storage heaters.
Best Regards
Peter Varley
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 110
8:32 AM, 7th October 2023, About 3 years ago
It’s bad. Imagine going through all that work and expense to still come up with an E?! I had an (expensive) heat pump installed. It moved the needle a few points. Still a D. Absolute joke and complete and utter total waste of time and money. I’m still fuming now as I was assured it’d be a C otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered as its pointless!
I bet your builders will say they were only complying with regs and never promised you a C rating.
Member Since August 2020 - Comments: 6
10:31 AM, 12th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Robert Johnson at 05/10/2023 – 08:59
Hi Robert,
Please could you provide legislation / guidance sources for this ?
Regards
Peter