Record global gas prices are frantically signaling the importance of energy efficiency and reduced reliance on volatile fossil fuel as never before. In Scotland, England, and Wales, the energy price cap is being raised. It means electricity and gas bills for a typical UK home will increase by 54% in April, £693 a year. October will see a further increase in prices. It has never been this urgent to recognise the importance of energy efficiency in new build homes that benefits everyone.
Reasons to buy a new build home
Energy Efficiency
New build homes are built to optimum energy efficiency. Insulation in the roof, double-glazing, central heating, LED lighting, and internal wall insulation to reduce energy bills and running costs.
But, how do new-build homeowners really benefit from energy savings?
Energy Performance Certificates
All homes in the UK require an Energy Performance Certificates. This indicates the level of energy efficiency of the property, how you can further improve your energy rating, and how energy costs are saved. The EPC records an energy efficiency rating from A to G after assessment of the size and layout of the building, its construction, insulation, heating, ventilation, and lighting. The certificate estimates the running costs of the home over a 3 year period. All house builders provide an EPC to new build buyers. The law requires an EPC to be produced at the completion stage of the building warrant process and when a building is being sold or rented. The EPC is normally displayed in meter cupboard of the house.
An EPC is valid only for 10 years, and after its expiration, it should be updated with a new one when you sell or rent. To get an EPC, you need to contact a member of an approved organisation who will then carry out an assessment, rate, and make recommendations.
Benefits of an EPC
The EPC is the legally-accepted standard measurement of energy savings for a building. It helps you decide how to reduce the carbon footprint of the building and save energy.
SAP calculations
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the government methodology used to produce the EPC. The SAP evaluates how much energy a house will consume when delivering a defined level of comfort and services. It is based on standardized assumptions for occupancy and behaviour. Fossil fuel costs and CO2 emissions are determined and factored in.
SAP calculates energy performance with energy use per unit floor area, a fuel-cost-based energy efficiency rating (the SAP Rating), and emissions of CO2 (the Environmental Impact Rating). It is based on estimates of annual energy consumption for the provision of heating, hot water, lighting, ventilation, energy use by appliances, the potential for overheating in summer, and the resultant cooling load.
Costs
The SAP rating and the EPC will give you an idea about the estimated running costs of the home. You will note that the higher the ratings, the lower the costs are. According to Energy Performance Certificate data, 8 out of 10 new builds have top ratings for energy efficiency. Homeowners save hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills.
Built per building regulations
New builds come with a warranty from the builder and the NHBC. The Completion Certificate is proof that the building conforms to regulations. Completion certificates are approved by the Building Standards department. It is necessary to have one before moving into your newly built home.
Further energy-efficiency
More natural lighting, solar panels, heat pumps, and energy-efficient appliances ensure further savings. Using oversized glass windows & doors and fixing skylights where there are no windows helps to increase the solar gain in the home.
A new build home is a promising new prospect for a more convenient and comfortable life. You are safe from complex and costly renovations and retrofitting. GS Brown Construction homes are built to superior specifications using appliances with high energy efficient ratings. This results in most GS Brown homes achieving a B rating on the Energy Performance Certificate. In some of our bespoke homes an A rating is achieved.
Let’s consider other reasons why new builds have an overall high rank for convenience.
Less maintenance cost
A brand new roof, floors, walls, windows, doors, and fittings mean you won’t be renovating for a good while. New build homes are built to approved building regulations to ensure a higher standard of health and safety. Older properties need a considerable amount of regular maintenance and upgrading to improve functionality and compatibility with modern life.
Less paperwork and legal process
From buying one to modernising, older homes require extensive paperwork and legal processes. When you are buying a new build home, you can do away with the buying chain as there are no previous owners. New build properties come with modern designs, so there’s no need to alter layouts with costly improvements that also require planning permission.
Modern Features
From low energy lighting to highly efficient heating systems, a new build is equipped with the latest technology and innovation. Hi-spec interiors, designer appliances, choice of fittings & fixtures, and high-performance windows & doors offer so much convenience. You could move in and not worry about a thing.
