Property Services
Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. It provides crucial information on the energy efficiency of the property, including a clear rating of the energy performance of a building on a scale of A to G, where A is the highest level of energy efficiency. EPCs can only be produced as a result of a survey by a qualified ‘accredited’ Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) for residential property or a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) for commercial property.
For an existing building, an on-site inspection allows us to ascertain the characteristics of the building and calculate its energy impact accordingly. We can then generate the final certificate and lodge the completed EPC with the Government database.
For a new build, we can do those calculations off-plan; with the benefit of the architect’s proposed construction details.
INVENTORY and scheudle of condition REPORTS
Tenants’ deposits must be protected by the Government’s Tenant Deposit Scheme, which is designed to ensure that disputes about their return will be resolved swiftly, inexpensively and impartially. However, to reach a resolution, one must have an independent inventory in place.
Ensuring you have a high-quality inventory before any tenant takes residency can save you time and money, ensuring that both landlord and tenant are fully aware of the content and condition of the property. This can reduce the chances of a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
Our inventory reports are straight forward and easy to understand, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the property’s state and contents at the time of inspection; including photographic evidence. We report not only on the fixtures and fittings within the property, but also the condition of each, as well as meter readings and the condition of items such as the ceilings, walls, windows, woodwork.
LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS
Legionella is a bacteria and the cause of Legionnaire’s disease, a potentially deadly form of pneumonia that results from the inhalation of contaminated water droplets.
All landlords and employers have a duty of care to their tenants and employees when it comes to matters of health. That duty was codified initially by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and has since been extended by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
There is a stringent requirement for landlords of commercial and domestic premises to assess the risks from exposure to Legionella to their tenants. The L8 Approved Code of Practice governs this area and was revised and republished in November 2013. In it, any business or other undertaking where water is used or stored and there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria is subject to a risk assessment requirement.
That requirement extends to all businesses, particularly those with particular ‘danger areas’, like Hotels with hot tubs, and those with vulnerable people, like GP surgeries.
You can see a more comprehensive breakdown of the rights and responsibilities here.
Floor Plans
We offer a professional floor plan service to assist with the marketing of properties throughout Devon & Cornwall.
Using comprehensive software, we create accurate and attractive floor plans for properties of all sizes. Driven by the intrinsically visual nature of the internet, we have seen floor plans become an essential aid to the selling of properties. Vendors are becoming far more educated in terms of how they would like their property marketed and potential tenants and buyers have expectations of that marketing which evolve and grow every year. Providing a first-class marketing package allows agents to meet those expectations and retain higher fees, despite a challenging market environment, whilst assuring the vendor they are getting value for money and the best possible service. Our floor plans are available will full dimensions and room names and are fully compliant with the latest RICS Code of Measuring Practice.
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
The emergence of drone photography has added another element to the property market and we undertake aerial photo-shoots for a wide variety of reasons.
For high value properties, a touch of class often encourages a faster sale. Aerial photography brings a modern, stunning perspective to brochure photography which can really help a potential buyer fall in love with the property.
Our drone team can take high-resolution photographs and videos, to help market any property anywhere in Devon and Cornwall.
Drone photography can also be used for diagnosing difficult to see defects.
We love seeing unique properties from unique angles, and our defect analysis service helps home owners save thousands in repair bills by catching otherwise invisible defects early.