🏡 What Is a Standard Construction Property?
Understanding How It Affects Your EPC Price.
When you book an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) through us, our pricing is based on what’s known as a “standard construction domestic property.” But what does that actually mean?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand what qualifies — and what might count as non-standard, which can affect pricing.
✅ What We Mean by Standard Construction
A standard construction property is just that — standard in layout, build, and materials. These homes typically include:
Brick or block external walls
Tiled or slated pitched roof
Standard insulation levels
A straightforward layout (no split levels or basements in regular use)
Built with common materials and methods used in UK housebuilding
These types of properties are quick to assess and require no extra technical investigation. This is what our base EPC pricing is designed for.
⚠️ What Counts as Non-Standard Construction?
Not all homes fall into that box! If your property has features that make the assessment more complex or time-consuming, it may be classed as non-standard — and additional fees could apply.
Some examples of non-standard construction include:
🧱 Multiple or complex extensions (especially those with different build dates)
🔄 Conversions (e.g. a house split into flats, or a commercial unit converted to residential)
🏗️ Unusual materials such as steel frame, glass walls, modular panels, or cob
🛠️ Properties with extensive planning history and undocumented changes
🪜 Large lofts or basements used as living space
🧩 Highly irregular internal layouts, or multi-level dwellings with staggered floors
These homes often require longer inspection times or additional technical input — so we may need to adjust the cost accordingly. Customers must also provide any relevant planning, building, or HVAC documentation that is available
💬 Why This Matters
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We’re upfront with our pricing and always try to keep things simple. But to be fair to both customers and our assessors, we need to reflect the extra time and expertise required to assess non-standard buildings.
If you’re unsure whether your property falls into this category, feel free to send us a quick photo or description when booking — we’re always happy to advise!
📝 Final Word
If your property is non-standard, we’ll always let you know before proceeding with any extra charges. If you’d prefer not to go ahead, no problem — we’ll apply our normal cancellation terms as set out in our policy. However, to avoid any surprises or cancellation fees, you’re very welcome to call us in advance to discuss anything unusual about your property (like extensions, conversions, or unusual materials). We can factor in any additional costs up front, so you can make an informed decision before your appointment is confirmed.
