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All posts by Verri Berri

8
Sep 2023

What is the minimum EPC for letting?

As a landlord, ensuring your properties meet the relevant Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) is of unprecedented importance. After all, residential properties are responsible for between 17% and 21% of annual, global carbon emissions. In an attempt to combat this, the UK government have proposed that the minimum EPC for letting must rise from ‘E’ or above, to ‘C’ or above. But what does this mean for landlords?  What do you need to know about EPC ratings? First introduced in 2007, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a way of measuring a property’s energy performance. This includes everything from the type […]

Image of landlord signing agreement with tenant to introduce our blog titled 'Minimum EPC for Letting'
4
Sep 2023

Building Survey

If you’re in the process of buying a home, one of the items on your to-do list will be to book in a Building Survey. But is this really necessary? After all, there’s already so much on your plate, from choosing your soft furnishings, to filling out jargon-heavy forms! For many, building surveys might just seem like an extra, unnecessary, and avoidable cost. But for many new homeowners, however, they could end up saving you thousands down the road in repair work. With this in mind, what does a survey actually consist of, and why is it so important?  What […]

Image of a home undergoing a building survey
1
Sep 2023

Commercial EPC Ratings

As people continue to look for new ways to maximise their home’s energy efficiency, it’s no surprise that commercial EPC ratings have become an increasingly important consideration. After all, they provide homeowners and developers alike with vital information surrounding the building’s overall energy performance. With this, areas in which energy efficiency can be improved are identified, assisting with government compliance, all whilst reducing bills. But what does this all mean?  What are Commercial EPC Ratings? If you weren’t already aware, EPC stands for ‘Energy Performance Certificate’. Essentially, these certificates provide an indication of how much energy a property uses and […]

Image to depict the importance of commercial EPC ratings and energy efficiency around the home
28
Aug 2023

Government Grants for Energy Efficiency

With autumn fast approaching, for many homeowners, the colder months are firmly on our minds. Whether it’s a boiler upgrade or new insulation that you’re in need of, like many, you’re probably facing financial limitations given the current cost of living crisis. With this in mind, our team have put together this blog to let you know your many options when it comes to government grants for energy efficiency. What is a Government Grant? A grant is a type of financial funding that is not liable to be paid back. There are a plethora of government funded schemes on offer […]

Image to introduce our blog 'Government Grants for Energy Efficiency'
25
Aug 2023

EPC Requirements for 2023: Staying Compliant

When it comes to owning a home, there are lots of things to think about. When you decide to become a landlord, however, this list only gets even longer. From finding the right tenants to running costs and energy efficiency, there’s more to property management than people may at first think. What’s more, with new EPC requirements for 2023, remaining compliant has never been so difficult. What is an EPC? An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) report looks to identify the energy efficiency of a property, be it residential or commercial. These are usually included as part of the surveying process […]

Image of man holding energy certificate to introduce this blog titled 'EPC Requirements for 2023'
21
Aug 2023

Do I Need a Snagging Survey?

If you’re looking into moving into a new-build home, you’d expect there to be no hidden issues. Even though these homes aren’t decades of years old, however, they can still have problems. Fixable problems perhaps, but still ones that need to be addressed. In the majority of circumstances, however, these issues tend to be relatively minor. Perhaps a door isn’t closing properly, or some tiling has been completed to a poor standard. That being said, before you move in, it might be worth carrying out a snagging survey to identify these issues.  What is a snagging survey? Snagging is the process […]

Image of a new build estate, where a snagging survey could be required.
18
Aug 2023

Office Architecture: Building Staff Morale Using Design

It’s no secret that our environment has a direct impact on our mood. From boosting serotonin levels, to improving efficiency and morale, it’s vital that employers are improving their working environments to benefit employees where possible. If you’re in the process of building a new workspace, office architecture should be a key consideration. The choices you make during the design phase will ultimately have a big impact on your team’s overall energy levels, enthusiasm, and efficiency. Key elements to think about  The design phase can be a whirlwind, with lots of different elements to consider. The good news, however, is […]

Example of office architecture
14
Aug 2023

Architectural Styles: Which Will Work Best For My Home?

For many people, the opportunity to build your home from the ground up is a dream come true. Designing your property exactly how you want it, down to the last detail. It’s exciting! With so much creative freedom, however, deciding between architectural styles can be a challenge. After all, it’s not something you’ll be able to change with ease. As such, it’s important that you know your options.  Popular architectural styles for new home builds Gothic Gothic architectural styles evoke the design choices of medieval cathedrals dating back as far as the Middle Ages. Trademarks of the gothic style include […]

Example of the gothic architecture styles
11
Aug 2023

Spotting Signs of Subsidence

When it comes to owning a home, there are lots of things that can go wrong. Properties are big commitments and no matter their age, you can never truly guarantee safety in your investment. As such, it’s important you can spot the signs of subsidence and other major issues such as damp, asbestos, and flooding, to name a few. Tackling these issues one blog at a time, today, our specialists have put together this post to help you avoid, identify, and rectify subsidence. What is subsidence? Subsidence is a term used to describe vertical, downward movement of the ground. This […]

Image to depict one of the many signs of subsidence
7
Aug 2023

4 Future Environmental Design Features of a Sustainable Home

The Future Home Standard (FHS) of 2025 looks to ensure new homes are producing 75-80% lower carbon emissions. This is in line with the UK government’s overarching objective of transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050. With the built environment accounting for approximately 25% of the UK’s total emissions, this is a welcome change. The FHS looks to decarbonise new homes by focusing on reducing heat waste. They also encourage the improvement of heating and hot water technologies. This looks to be achieved in part by replacing current technologies with low-carbon alternatives. But what other future environmental design features can […]

Example of future environmental design