Is gas a legal requirement?
We are about to start building 8 flats, it is in fact an extension on to the rear of an existing commercial unit in a town centre.
Conversion of 2 flats above the commercial unit and 6 flats on a new build extension at the rear. My architect told us a while ago that law required us to have gas!
I have been reading that gas in now limited in the North Sea, consequently forcing imports up by 40% .
Obviously if gas isn’t required there will be a huge saving now and in the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Roger
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
London falls from the top 10 European cities for property investmentNext Article
Additional stamp duty deadline for Land Registry?
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 49
9:44 AM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
No, gas is not a legal requirement. I have done flats and only electricity was available.
Heating can be provided via storage or panel heaters or by the use of an electric boiler running a radiator system. In fact there is a manufacturer who supplies an electric combi style boiler for this purpose.
Some tenants may not like the fact there is no gas due to the cost of electric, around 3 times the price.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 83 - Articles: 1
10:18 AM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Best advice here would be Change you architect!
Good Luck
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 79
10:18 AM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Gas is certainly not a legal requirement, what is a requirement is for the build to pass the SAP assessment (Energy conservation) for building regs Part L.
You can achieve this with electric heating and hot water but you’re going to be tight in other areas such as insulation and air tightness to make up the difference in the calculations.
You will also want to specify the most energy efficient electric heating appliances you can find which will meet the standards calculated by the energy assessor.
Up side, no gas checks etc.
Appliances that work well include electric storage heaters, instantaneous hot water units serving each tap. Shower on an electric pump/heater unit.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
11:55 AM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Darren Bell” at “14/01/2016 – 10:18“:
Hi Darren, are you implying that if Roger’s architect is stating gas as a legal requirement because he has probably not planned for the additional insulation required for an electrical system to make it legally compliant with Part L ?
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 79
12:15 PM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Rob Crawford” at “14/01/2016 – 11:55“:
I’m suggesting that he needs to look deeper into the problem. The energy consultant is the specialist in this case and so should be advising on how to make it work with electric only heating. Roger’s architect / building designer should know this.
Typically when I approach this kind of work I aim for a fabric first approach to the building. Highly spec. the insulation gets you a long way towards hitting the target, however its often overlooked at concept stage and results in after though issues.
Another energy saving device which contributes to the calculation is heat recovery. There are some small MVHR units specific to apartments, and if he plans to keep the properties are worth the investment ensuring the air quality within the apartment remains at a decent standard.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 463
1:32 PM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
See continuing discussion of benefits of gas versus electric in flats at https://www.property118.com/new-flat-conversion-electric-gas/83118/
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1264 - Articles: 1
6:14 PM, 14th January 2016, About 10 years ago
??
Of course not , there are whole villages without mains gas !!
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 10
10:55 AM, 15th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Thank You for all your comments, this has been a misunderstanding on my part, i assumed it was a legal requirement as i was told i needed gas. It is in fact a requirement to meet SAP. Without it we would have to increase internal wall widths etc….. At least it created a constructive debate. Amazing site with a wealth of knowledge from its members
Many Thanks,
Roger
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1264 - Articles: 1
5:56 PM, 15th January 2016, About 10 years ago
what is SAP?
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 10
5:59 PM, 15th January 2016, About 10 years ago
Overview
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the methodology used by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. Its purpose is to provide accurate and reliable assessments of dwelling energy performances that are needed to underpin energy and environmental policy initiatives.