EPC - what kind of contractor do I need?

[justtryingtobenice]

I own a tiny top floor (extension) flat in a Victorian townhouse in London. I lived in it for many years while I was still young and free, but I'm now ttc and DP's place is far more suitable for kids, so looking to rent or sell mine.

My flat's EPC rating is E. I'm aware that there's a government proposal suggesting all new rentals need to be at least C by 2025 (or by 2028 if currently tenanted).

My understanding is that this is still a proposal and not guaranteed. However, my EPC says the flat could potentially achieve a C, and I'd like to at least look into it. Double glazed windows and roof and wall insulation would be the big ticket items, but there are also a few smaller things (draught proofing, room thermostats, etc.) that I'd need to do to get the number up.

However, I am really confused as to who I need to speak to about this in the first instance. Ideally I am looking for someone who can tell me "you need to do x to get y points and it would cost roughly z." The nightmare would be running around trying to get different bits and pieces done without achieving a meaningfully higher rating, so I'd like to have it all under one umbrella.

Do I get an EPC assessor over again? Or should I speak to a building surveyor who can also project manage it? My council has a scheme that I'd qualify for; maybe I should speak to them first? Or do I have to go directly to a builder/carpenter who would do the insulation/windows?

Apologies if this seems like an obvious question - there is so much information online but I just can't figure out who I actually need to speak to.

The contact details of the EPC Assessor will be on the EPC. I would contact the Assessor and ask their advice.
I did this after we bought our house, rated a 'G'. The Assessor was very helpful.

Have you tried the website called Genous? Or the Energy Saving Trust? They’ll give you advice on how to make your home more energy efficient.

Thank you very much @GladysPew and @SupermarketMum ! I will take a look and start making calls after the BH are over…

@GladysPew if you don’t mind sharing, did you end up doing any works and what was the process like? Did you manage to get a higher rating?

You might potentially be eligible for some financial help (not usually 100% though) though it does have various eligibility conditions attached - sometimes its better to just spend your own money and get exactly what you want done

Depending where you are you might be able to find someone who is qualified as a retrofit assessor or even a retrofit designer (these are extra qualifications that some EPC assessors now hold). Several cities now have services for householders where they do a more detailed assessment, advise what to do (and in what order) and can find you designer and possibly even recommend a contractor.

Not sure how you find them maybe google "retrofit advice" "home energy" and your county and/or nearest city/cities.

@GladysKnight that is super helpful, thank you! Exactly what I needed.

You're welcome! 🙂

If you were to sell it this wouldn’t be an issue so maybe an easier solution?

@Twiglets1 i worry it’d be built into the sale price in some way - wouldn’t buyers just knock the cost of doing EPC upgrades off their offer? Unless no one is taking this seriously? Or perhaps there’s something else I’m missing?

My flat would likely go either to a landlord (meh) or hopefully someone who, like me, wants a starter flat with the flexibility to rent it out when they “grow up”… so I’d assume both groups would be interested in a good EPC…

I’d rather not sell for another year or two for other reasons, but always good to know what the options are…

I know the C level EPC is not as essential for buying as it for renting but maybe it still has an effect on price I don’t know. Maybe talk to an estate agent about that.

Sorry for delay in reply. This is our forever home and we bought it knowing it needed a lot of work. Had double glazing replaced with triple glazing, Air Source Heat Pump installed and wet underfloor heating installed for hot water and heating. Previously heat provided by open coal fires with a 'back boiler' for hot water. We have fitted wall insulation to inside surface of all external walls and insulated under floor boards. Couldn't find any companies that did this so DH did some homework and did this himself. The Insulation was subject to 20% VAT because we did this ourselves which is galling as the Govt are saying they want to encourage people to take such measures.
Your current EPC should give you recommendations to improve the rating.
Eg. Additional loft insulation, low energy lighting if not already in place.
Regarding tbe requirements for rental propwrties to be rated 'C' or above, I personally don't think that is achievable and my understanding is that there will be an exemptions list for certain properties eg, Listed Buildings and where the cost to upgrade the rating is prohibitive. I think it will be also more difficult to achieve because properties currently rated a C may be rated a D as the thresholds for rating may become stricter IYSWIM.

@GladysPew thank you so much, both for your answer and the additional colour on what might end up happening with the proposal. Not sure I have it in me to contact the EPC assessor before NY but have my work cut out for me in January! Thank you again to everyone! I’ll post if anything interesting comes up…