Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007 to give buyers a better understanding of the energy efficiency of a property they may wish to buy. The EPC is a legal  requirement if you are selling or renting a property and are valid for 10 years from date of issue.

An EPC document includes an assessment of the current energy performance and estimated energy costs of the property as well as its potential future energy efficiency, if you were to implement the recommendations in the report.

1.The EPC rating graphic

The ratings graphic shows how efficient your property is on a scale from A (very energy efficient to G (not very efficient). The higher the rating, the lower your potential energy costs will be.

Each letter is also assigned to a group of numbers (from 1 to 100). The higher up the scale, the better the property's efficiency.  The first of two arrows shows the propertys current rating, whilst the second highlights the property’s potential rating if more energy-efficient features were to be installed.

The average EPC rating for a home in the UK is D.

The report goes on to details the changes you could make to improve the energy efficiency of the property, as well as detailing the estimated costs and potential savings you could make.

Who needs an EPC?

Sellers : It's a legal requirement to have an EPC for your home, before you sell it. You can arrange it through your Estate Agent, or directly with an EPC provider. The EPC register lists approved providers: https://www.epcregister.com/

Buyers. You should receive a copy of the EPC from the seller. Which you can use to plan energy efficiency improvements to the property or to negotiate the property price you pay.

Landlords. It is a legal requirement for buy-to-let properties to have an energy efficiency rating of E or above, before you can take on a new tenant or renew an existing contract. Later this year the rule will apply to existing tenancy agreements too.

Tenants. You should receive a copy of the EPC for the property you are renting. It will help you plan and budget for energy costs.

How can you improve the energy efficiency of your home?

• Insulate your floors, roof, loft and walls. Good quality insulation reduces the need for heating, which in turn reduces your energy consumption.
• Double glazing: heat is rapidly lost through single glazed windows. Double-glaze them to reduce your energy consumption. 
• Solar panels: the cost for these is reducing and they can provide cheaper, greener energy. 
• Low-energy lighting: low cost and easy to install, with no structural alterations required, low-energy light bulbs is a cheap, easy way to lower your energy bills.

If you want to add value to your home, and make it a better place to live upgrading your bathroom can bring surprising benefits. One of the most important rooms in a house, it's a place where you can relax and unwind after a hard day. As well as get ready before going out or calling it a night.

By increasing the value of your property, a revamped bathroom can help differentiate your property, if you decide to sell, and help you realise a better selling price. It can also help you build more equity in your property enabling you to re-mortgage or raise finance from the equity in your home.

To get the maximum increase in value, consider the following:

1. If you have the room, install a second sink. They're invaluable for busy families and couples alike. If you install one, you'll wonder how you managed without it!
2. Upgrade your shower. A brand-new shower will instantly make your bathroom appear cleaner, brighter and more inviting. Your shower can be electric, use a thermostatic mixer, be digital or a power shower. And there are a wide variety of shower options ranging from rain shower heads, wet rooms and shower columns. And tat's before you consider the screen, sliding doors or curtains available!
3. Add storage. It's surprising how much storage you need in a bathroom. From hair products, skincare, hand wash, dental products, shaving kits, cleaning sprays, toilet roll, medicines, pampering essentials, towels and more. Choose from built-in or freestanding cabinets. Or, if you have awkward spaces get custom-made units or shelving.
4. Update your colour scheme. Neutral schemes are best, especially if you are thinking about selling your home in the near future.
5. Extend your bathroom. If you have the space, extending your bathroom can pay dividends. Just make sure you're not compromising the space in a bedroom or other important space in your home. If you can't extend, how about converting a box-room or cupboard into an additional bathroom?
6. Don’t forget the plumbing! If you live in an older property, it's worth checking the plumbing to ensure it's in a good state of repair and meets current building regulations. An experienced plumber can advise you and can highlight any potential problems before you start.

If you need any advice about renovating a bathroom to add value to your home, contact us today.