How can we help?
New build dwellings and conversions
Our aim is to build a long-term relationships with our clients. Getting to know you, how you like to work, your preferred building methods, materials and preferences. The better we know you the more we can assist in making compliance as simple and as cost effective as possible for you. We believe that good communication between SAP assessor, developer and the architectural team is key to a successful outcome and helping to ensure that the Design SAP Assessment matches what has been built and/or installed. This saves time towards the end of the build and means there are no delays in getting the As Built SAP Calculations and EPCs issued.
In an ideal world you would carry out SAP Calculations as soon as possible at the design stage, or even at tender stage as this will help identify the specification and review options to assist with the costing of the project. But don’t worry Eden SAP Services can help you whatever stage your project is at.
The SAP Assessment Process
1 - Assistance at tender stage
Carrying out SAP Calculations at the tender stage can help you secure a project by allowing you to cost accurately against a specific specification in order to achieve compliance and to avoid unexpected costs at a later stage. We would provide an outline specification proposal to you to show compliance with Building Regulations Part L and any planning requirements in terms of renewable technologies.
2 - Initial design review
We will review your architectural drawings and specification/information provided within the architectural drawings and advise on how to achieve compliance with Building Regulation Part L based on your preferred building methods and specification. We review the planning approval and relevant planning conditions to ensure the conditions can be met by the specification.
3 - Design review and alterations
4 - Design SAP Calculations and Predicted EPC (PEA)
We will issue the design stage calculations and predicted EPC to you for submission to Building Control prior to commencement on site.
5 - The build commences to the agreed specification
6 - Advice throughout the process
7 - As-Built SAP Calculations review
Once the construction of the dwelling(s) is nearing completion, we will review the as built architectural drawings and specification and compare to the Design SAP Calculations to ensure the dwelling(s) have been built to the specification. If any alterations have been made, that we were not made aware of we will rerun the calculations, review compliance and advise you accordingly.
8 - Air-tightness testing is carried out
9 - As Built SAP Calculations and EPCs are issued to you.
Householders – Do you need a SAP Calculation for your extension?
Are SAP Calculations required for all extensions? – The short answer is no but this will depend on the amount of glazing within the proposed project.
In simple terms, if your extension contains large amounts of glazing (over 25% of the internal floor area), whether from external openings such as doors, windows, rooflights or glazing that forms part of the walls or roof a SAP Calculation may be required to show compliance with Building Regulations Part L1B.
Carrying out a SAP Calculation for an extension is slightly different than SAP Calculations for a new build dwelling. Within Building Regulations a more flexible approach can be taken which consists of comparing two reports as follows:
The Notional Report
A SAP Calculation is made on the existing dwelling with an extension attached to it, which is built to the exact specification of the Building Regulations, with exact U values (the thermal insulation level) and an area of glazing capped at the 25% allowance. This is called the Notional Extension or Report
The Proposed Report
A SAP Calculation is then produced for the dwelling as it stands and the extension as it will actually be built.
Comparing the two reports
The SAP Calculation should prove that the CO² from the house and the extension that will be built (Proposed Report) is no higher than the CO² from the house and notional extension (Notional Report).
Your architectural designer should advise you if a SAP Calculation is required. From our experience, most projects we review and produce a SAP Calculation for will pass the requirements in the Buildign Regulations. However, where this is not the case, we look at cost effective solutions to reduce the CO² emissions. Such as: changing the specification of the insulation, specifying higher performing glazing, or suggesting improvements that could be made to the existing dwelling such as loft insulation or improvements to the heating system. Each project is unique. You may already be planning on making upgrades to your existing dwelling. Such as replacing windows or your heating system which may help mitigate the large amounts of glazing in your proposed extension.
If you are planning an extension with large amounts of glazing, we advise you to liaise with your architectural designer at the design stage and obtain SAP Calculations as necessary (ideally before planning approval is sought) so you are aware of the design and specification considerations you may need to put in place. Some of these considerations could increase not only your extension build costs but also have cost implications to upgrading your existing dwelling. For example, higher performing glazing or upgrading elements of your existing dwelling.
For more information see SAP Calculations for extensions or give us a call 03333 448949 or drop us an email enquiries@edensap.services