Do I Need SAP Calculations For New Builds?
Owning property can be a minefield when it comes to regulations and requirements. You might have heard of SAP Assessments or Calculations and be wondering if you need them. Building regulations state that SAP calculations for new builds need to happen before work commences on a new building. If you are unsure what SAP calculations are, if you need them, and where you can get them, then read on for our ultimate guide.
What Are SAP Calculations for New Builds and SAP EPCs?
SAP Assessments stand for Standard Assessment Procedure, and they play a big role in planning and building compliance. They are often confusing, particularly to self-builders or new property developers. SAP calculations are a government-approved way of measuring and assessing the energy rating of a building.
New build dwellings, including houses, flats, conversions and extensions all require these assessments.
An SAP calculation will give you a rating which indicates a score between 1 and 100+. The higher the score, the lower the energy costs and CO2 emissions. There are many factors that go into deciding this score. These include heating systems, thermal elements, lighting and renewable technologies.
SAP calculations, however, do not take into consideration any appliances that use energy within the building.
Do I Need SAP Calcs?
Current regulations in the UK state that developers and home builders must ensure properties achieve a ‘PASS’ on SAP calculations. If a property doesn’t pass SAP calculations, then Building Control will not sign off development plans. This means that the property is not able to be sold or marketed for sale or let.
SAP calculations will also help designers of new dwellings to create an improved energy profile and reduce carbon emissions and energy usage.
You should complete SAP calculations both before and after a construction project. A calculation done before construction is often known as a design stage SAP calculation. Developers must submit these with a Building Regulations Application to Building Control in order for construction to begin.
Design stage SAP calculations include Target Emission Rates (TER) and Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE). Professionals calculate these using emissions of a ‘national dwelling’ that is the same size and shape of the proposed construction.
An SAP calculation that takes place after a construction project is complete is an as-built stage SAP calculation. Once developers finish construction, then Building Control requires this as well as an EPC. Without an as-built stage SAP calculation, the building will not be approved and so can’t be marketed for let or sale.
In some construction projects, the building changes slightly during the process. These changes can impact compliance, and it is vital to ensure your project meets Part L of Building Regulations.
How we can help you
Here at Assessment Hive, we can help with SAP calculations, Water Calculations and Heat Loss Calculations. Our team of experts can complete SAP calcs and SAP Energy Performance Certificates for all new dwellings, whether at the design stage or as-built.
