Do you want proposed changes to EPCs to go ahead?
Internet gremlins on Friday morning meant that many people were unable to access EAT or the online survey we have posted up. However, the survey is still very much live and we urge anyone with strong feelings to click on the link at the end of this article.
The major proposed change, now probably due to kick in on October 1, is that all agents (sales and lettings) will have to attach an extract of the EPC. This will add a further double-side A4 to your particulars – in other words, for most agents, doubling the size of particulars, and therefore doubling the amount of printing and paper.
The proposed extract is simply the first two pages of the EPC – and none of the recommendations.
Nick Salmon of SPLINTA believes this is neither logical nor environmentally friendly. He has suggested a far simpler solution to the Government – simply carry on incorporating the graphs in the particulars but add a paragraph advising people to read the full EPC, available from the agent, before a transaction.
Salmon’s suggestion was not, however, even mentioned by Communities and Local Government in its reply to him.
So, enter a new SPLINTA campaign?
Voting so far shows that around 60% of agents would boycott the new proposed requirement and almost 90% would back a new SPLINTA campaign.
Salmon also points out that the second page of an EPC is of little value to consumers. He said: “It simply contains a load of guff about details of the assessor and how the ratings are calculated plus a general paragraph on CO2 emissions.”
The campaign is not against EPCs as such: but it is aimed at giving consumers more sensible information while not tying up agents in expensive, unnecessary red tape.
Please feel free to email info@splintacampaign.co.uk
You can also find the survey on the link below and we will keep you updated as to the results. Please make sure that you make your views loud and clear. If you don’t like the proposed changes, now is your chance to say so.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCYZFR6
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Comments
This does seem rather tedious and taxing to include what can only be seen as a pointless addition to the property particulars!
I would however assume that this is probably the first instalment of what is to come with the Green Deal. It may seem pointless right now to include the EPC details but in 2 or 3 years it will be essential as I assume the EPC will contain details about Green Deal Finance which will affect the property etc.
Implementing the main methods of distribution and process now will mean that issues can be ironed out before the real reason becomes evident. Maybe this is why "SPLINTA" received no real response!
No, PeeBee is correct. Reader has a snap shot tool that you can paste into paint and turn into Jpeg.
Not that I will be doing it.
PbroAgent: Apologies - you are correct! I now see you cannot delete pages OR convert to JPEG using basic Reader.
Why would you want to delete pages from the Epc ? It is a legal document.
Just attach the lot.
@PeeBee your post assumes we have more than just Adobe Reader, which doesn't allow us to chop up PDFs.
More needless expense for us to cover - the whole pointless exercise is a waste of time, money, energy, effort, paper and more money!
This EPC is EU law and this country is bound by it.
(It is also worth remembering that the HIP was bolted on to it, by the government at no cost them, as a convenient way to log information on the housing stock etc. in my view any convenience to a purchaser was secondary) Only the EU can change it or say how and when it must be used. As far as they are concerned the carbon issue is based on a 'one size fits all' as are most things from the EU. Only the government can put pressure on them to change. Anyone for renegotiating the Treaty?
@Burf - Spot on!
The RRN number if displayed on the EPC graph with a website address for the Landmark Database would give buyers and vendors access to the EPC at no extra cost to the environment, that way buyers can view it if they want to and dont need to if the dont!
We will have to send out sample insulation aswell soon to ensure buyers know what it is!
Am i missing the point of an EPC? Wasnt it designed and put in place primarily to reduce carbon footprints? Imagine all Estate Agents through out the country printing at least one extra page per details!!
Of course if the EPC were to change its format to be more appealing, then this may be a far sweeter pill to swallow. Consumer focus think so...
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/news/energy-performance-certificates-should-make-it-clear-that-energy-efficiency-pays-says-consumer-focus
Wooden Top - most PDF programs will allow you to delete pages, so that you can then save the ones you need as a separate file.
You could also save the entire file as JPEG, which would allow you to do the same, and it may even be easier to add the pages to your details as 'pictures'.
Doesn't take away the fact that the proposed legislation is a farce, however...!
Absured. Even if you email you will have to attach the full or 2 page EPC. Now just see how you intend to do that. For starts the EPC is in pdf format so you can't cut and paste the first 2 pages out. Most agents have automated email software which will not allow you to do add just those two pages or even a full report. It would be a separate attachment and looking at the legislation, that isn't correct as it would not be part of the sales document but separate attachment, even if you have the software to attach to your sales particulars. You would have to re-write all your sales particluars and buy some pretty clever software.
Try sending one today, with just the first two EPC pages and see what I mean. Then try and do your daily/weekly/monthly email match mailout of all your property stock!!!!!
An of course we haven't spoken about those customers who are not on the internet or don't want emails or keep changing their ISP's.
The whole implementation is going to be a nightmare if you have a good stock of properties? The government has seen this and they need to take a firm grip of the situation and tell Brussels.
If the law as proposed comes in we will stop posting out sets of details & only use email. In the office we will have one print of the EPC on display behind each set of details & offer it if wanted .... but to attach a set with every set of details whether viewers want them or not is idiotic ... even if compliant.
Include it in the details but don't print anything at all.
Email them.
Claim it's because you are trying to lower your carbon footprint or something - great PR.
Might even be true.
If they want them, they can print them themselves.
Sounds like a plan!
Email more of your particulars rather than printing.