SAP Calculations For Conversions
Conversions are equal parts exciting and daunting. There are so many things to consider and review. Unfortunately, not all of them are as fun as planning the new layout and picking out colours and furnishings. SAP calculations are one of the necessary but less fun parts of converting an existing property.
When Do You Need SAP Calculations?
You need SAP calculations to comply with Approved Document Part L. For conversions, it’s part L1B that applies. These regulations aim to ensure that residential properties meet basic energy performance standards.
Your conversion will need a SAP calculation if there is a ‘material change of use’. Some of the most common examples of this are as follows:
- After conversion, the building will be a dwelling when it wasn’t before – e.g. barn conversion
- After conversion, the building will contain a flat which it did not before
- The number of dwellings in a building changes – e.g. splitting a large home into flats
If your conversion falls into one of these categories, you will need to get a SAP calculation and EPC to show that each of the new dwellings meets the required energy efficiency levels.
What Information Is Needed?
To perform a SAP calculation, the assessor will use the new building’s floor plans, the construction specifications, and details of any renewable technologies being used, e.g. PV cells or solar hot water heating. They use this data to create two reports.
The Notional Report
This is a benchmark report. It calculates what the value would be if the property just met the requirements. It’s essentially a minimum requirement, specific to your property. The report will specify an amount of CO2. Your actual conversion must then produce less CO2 than this to pass.
The Proposed Report
The proposed report then looks at your plans. It will include all the materials you plan to use and any new or upgraded elements you plan to incorporate during the conversion. Typically you will get a proposed report completed before work begins and then update it with any changes at intervals during construction to ensure you are staying on track.
As long as your final proposed report gives a CO2 figure lower than the Notional Report, your property will pass. You will then get a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which will replace any old ones.
When Should I Get These Calculations Done?
It’s crucial that you get the calculations done early in the design process. This is so you can choose the right materials and make any changes before the work is done. The SAP requirements for conversion can be quite stringent, so it helps to work with an experienced assessor. Our experts can help guide you to small changes that will allow you to meet the building regulations criteria.
No matter what stage you’re at with your conversion, if you need a SAP calculation, we can help. Assessment Hive has a team of experts that you can talk to today. We’ll work with you through your conversion process to make sure that meeting these requirements is as easy as possible.
