How can I get my EPC from E to C?

How can I get my EPC from E to C?

0:01 AM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago 98

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Hello, I own a 1900 solid brick small workers’ cottage. It’s been fully renovated, new roof, new DG and electric heaters with no mains gas. My EPC is currently an E.

I ask the assessor if I put in mains gas central heating how many points would my EPC increase by. He said he couldn’t tell me!!!! So I am now wondering if the assessor doesn’t have a clue, then how are we, the public meant to?!

What’s the point of doing any upgrades if I cannot get a guaranteed EPC C rating? Will most of the houses in the country predating 1900 ever get to a C without having to spend £30k min. Looks like I’m offloading the house if I can’t find any assured answers from officials.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

Helen


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Comments

JohnCaversham

8:51 AM, 10th August 2023, About 9 months ago

I had the same issues as above, the way around it is to show an invoice from a contractor for doing the work there is no argument then.
If you did the works yourself then you have to be 'creative' in this regard, but the assessors argument falls flat at this point..

Russell Cartner

9:17 AM, 10th August 2023, About 9 months ago

I have Direct Line Landlord Insurance with rent loss, tenant damage and Legal cover
I am the middle of Sec 21 eviction at no cost
Most houses pre 2000 are EPC rated D,
Its unlikely E F G will be a viable option to reach C
You will need all these to get to Band C
Solar panels, Cavity wall insulation, LED lights, Double glazing, New Gas boiler, radiators with Trv's, Loft insulation
PRS is stuffed do yourself a favour and
Sell Sell Sell

Contango

10:15 AM, 10th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Philip Sandham at 10/08/2023 - 06:20
try a different EPC assessor !!

Russell Cartner

10:32 AM, 10th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Contango at 10/08/2023 - 10:15
Doesn't matter they are all the same please read my comment PRS is stuffed

Ray

8:46 AM, 11th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Find a new EPC Assessor.

I had a 4 bed rental which was an F in 2007-8. The first house in a road of 100 Victorian houses all identical to get an EPC. At the time EPC’s were new and the Assessor just looked like an amateur. Turned up with a tool belt with a hammer and tape measure. She gave it an F and it didn’t matter then. 10 years later. EPC’s still didn’t matter but there was talk about minimum EPC ratings so I wanted to futureproof the EPC. I needed a new EPC so I looked at every EPC for my Road. Mine was the worst but only because of the assessor. I contacted the assessor who gave the best score. Without doing anything other than a new EPC it was now given a C. Sold it now so doesn’t matter.

Darren Burrows

7:59 AM, 12th August 2023, About 9 months ago

First of all I’d say not all DEAs are created equal unfortunately. I’d be inclined to find one who is experienced and possibly also qualified as a Retrofit Assessor or even Coordinator too as they will have a better understanding of the combined solutions you will need (plus will carry out the assessment more diligently).

There are lots of panel DEAs out there that get paid peanuts to do high volume assessments and you know what you get when you pay peanuts!

There are solutions coming onto the market that will enable landlords to get properties up to where they need to be without spending silly figures like £30k but you need to know where to look and be using the right team to deliver the solutions.

There are a lot of ‘experts’ that don’t really understand what they’re telling people unfortunately 😕

Tracey Fairly

8:00 AM, 12th August 2023, About 9 months ago

My understanding is that you can apply for an exemption lasting 5 years once you have completed works to maximum of £3000 or possibly £3500. Then after the 5 years you can carry out works again and apply for another exemption.

Tracey Fairly

8:02 AM, 12th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by AlanR at 08/08/2023 - 15:18
Good idea 👍

Yvonne Francis

8:27 AM, 12th August 2023, About 9 months ago

I thought one of the probelms is that that limit is planned to rise to £10,000.

blair

9:41 AM, 12th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by John Hayes at 08/08/2023 - 10:00
yes I agree the tick box assessment is really not right.

One thing that surprises me is that there is no assessment of draughts and draught proofing yet this is the greatest cause of heat loss/high energy bills. Even the letter flap ,key hole for notice dead locks and the threshold of especially the front door can make a big difference to heat loss.

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