Frequently Asked Questions About EPCs & Floorplans
EPCs & Floorplans FAQs
Q. What is an EPC?
An EPC is the commonly used shortened name for an Energy Performance Certificate which is a document that is legally required when you sell a property in the UK.
The role of an EPC is to show the energy efficiency rating of a building and gives it a score.
The document is useful to prospective buyers as it can help them to understand the potential running costs of the property in terms of things like lighting and heating.
An EPC provides advice on how to improve the energy performance rating of a property, for example by investing in better glazing, improved loft insulation and installation of a more energy-efficient boiler, all of which can help to bring energy costs down.
The Property Portal makes it easy to arrange an Energy Performance Certificate for your home online.
The role of an EPC is to show the energy efficiency rating of a building and gives it a score.
The document is useful to prospective buyers as it can help them to understand the potential running costs of the property in terms of things like lighting and heating.
An EPC provides advice on how to improve the energy performance rating of a property, for example by investing in better glazing, improved loft insulation and installation of a more energy-efficient boiler, all of which can help to bring energy costs down.
The Property Portal makes it easy to arrange an Energy Performance Certificate for your home online.
Q. Who needs to have an EPC?
Whenever a property is built, sold or rented, it must have a valid EPC. For property owners who intend to sell or rent their property, they must have an EPC before they start marketing the property to potential buyers or tenants.
There are some EPC exemptions however which include places of worship, temporary buildings that will be used for no longer than 2 years, holiday accommodation that is rented out for less than 4 months a year, listed buildings and residences used for less than 4 months a year.
You can read more about exemptions and Energy Performance Certificates here.
There are some EPC exemptions however which include places of worship, temporary buildings that will be used for no longer than 2 years, holiday accommodation that is rented out for less than 4 months a year, listed buildings and residences used for less than 4 months a year.
You can read more about exemptions and Energy Performance Certificates here.
Q. How long does an EPC last for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years, so if you’re looking to sell or rent your property, you’ll need to make sure that you have a valid Energy Performance Certificate.
Q. How can I improve my EPC rating?
An EPC score will be given to a property based on how energy efficient it is. Overall ratings go from A with a high energy efficiency rating of 92 or higher right down to G which equates to a rating of 20 or less.
As well as showing the current rating for a property, an EPC also shows a potential score which indicates the improved energy rating that could be obtained after various improvements are made.
The most effective improvements you can make to a property to improve its energy performance rating could include;
Upgrading your insulation, switching to LED light bulbs, better double or triple glazed windows and doors and installing a better boiler.
Find out Everything You Need to Know About EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates).
As well as showing the current rating for a property, an EPC also shows a potential score which indicates the improved energy rating that could be obtained after various improvements are made.
The most effective improvements you can make to a property to improve its energy performance rating could include;
Upgrading your insulation, switching to LED light bulbs, better double or triple glazed windows and doors and installing a better boiler.
Find out Everything You Need to Know About EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates).
Q. What sort of things will impact an EPC rating?
Some of the factors that will affect the efficiency rating of a property include the age of a property, with newer properties and improved building standards generally resulting in greater energy efficiency.
The way a property is constructed, orientation and how the home is heated and insulated.
The way a property is constructed, orientation and how the home is heated and insulated.
Q. Will I need a different EPC if I let out a room in my home on somewhere like Air B&B?
The answer to this question will be determined by exactly how long your property (or rooms within it) are let out for each year. If the combined total is 4 months or longer in any 12 month period, then as it stands, you would need to make sure you have a valid EPC.
Q. Do I really need to get a floorplan drawn up?
Although a floorplan is not a legal requirement to sell your home, they can be extremely helpful for potential buyers, helping them see the layout and understand the sizes of rooms and how suitable the property might be.
Including a floorplan alongside traditional photos can really enhance your property listing so it’s definitely something sellers should consider, especially now that online floorplans are so easy to arrange.
You can find reasons homeowners should consider an online floorplan here.
Including a floorplan alongside traditional photos can really enhance your property listing so it’s definitely something sellers should consider, especially now that online floorplans are so easy to arrange.
You can find reasons homeowners should consider an online floorplan here.
Q. How much will it cost to get a floorplan of my property?
A floorplan is an architectural diagram of your property providing a top down view of the rooms in your home along with their dimensions.
They can be very helpful in terms of allowing potential buyers to understand the layout of a property and to determine whether rooms will be large enough to meet their needs. In fact, floorplans are so helpful that research has shown that property listings with floorplans are more likely to attract interest than those without.
The Property Portal can arrange a floorplan from just £50 +VAT. Order your floorplan online.
They can be very helpful in terms of allowing potential buyers to understand the layout of a property and to determine whether rooms will be large enough to meet their needs. In fact, floorplans are so helpful that research has shown that property listings with floorplans are more likely to attract interest than those without.
The Property Portal can arrange a floorplan from just £50 +VAT. Order your floorplan online.
Q. I’ve had a new boiler installed, but my EPC recommends I change my boiler. Why is this?
A new boiler does not necessarily mean it is the best boiler available, making the age of the boiler irrelevant. A recommendation to improve the boiler means more efficient boilers are available and next time it’s replaced, choosing the most energy efficient option will contribute to an improved EPC rating.
Q. Can I order an online floorplan?
The Property Portal is your resource for all things EPC and floorplan related. You can use us to order your floorplan online with ease and we will quickly put you in direct contact with a professional.
Q. Is it possible to buy an EPC online?
Yes, it is possible to buy an EPC online. Buying an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) online is fast and easy to do. You can book your EPC through The Property Portal and an accredited Energy Assessor will quickly get in touch with you to arrange a visit to your property to complete the assessment.
Q. Are there any exemptions from obtaining an EPC?
Some properties, such as certain listed buildings, may be exempt from the requirement to have an EPC. However, it's essential to check the specific regulations and be aware that from time to time exeptions my be updated or changed.
Q. Are there any legal requirements for including floorplans in property listings?
While not legally required in the UK, including floorplans in property listings is a valuable marketing practice. Some property listing platforms may encourage or even prioritise listings with floorplans.