28/08/2008 by Stuart White.

I was looking at the regional variations of qualified and practicing Domestic Energy Assessors and it strikes me that London is very under represented. I live and work close to London, but my existing pricing model wouldn’t support working in that area. Should I increase my prices to work in London, and if so by how much? 

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26/08/2008 by Stuart White.

I serviced and MOT’d my car last week, a fairly unremarkable event as the car got through without needing any extra work. I use a small back street garage close to my home and on the way to the station they give me good service and their prices seem keen.

When I checked the bill - they charge £48 an hour for labour and my service took 1.6 hours - which I make 1 hour 36 minutes or £76.80 and then that set me thinking. An EPC survey on a small flat would take about the same amount of time - with travel, inspection, photography and inputting data - so why does £75 for an EPC seem to be too expensive? My MOT was £53 and I need to have this every year - not once in 10 years.

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20/08/2008 by Stuart White.

The current price of an EPC is at an unhealthy low point. If you do your research on the web then prices being offered are so low - that I don’t expect to see many of these companies in business for the long term.

So what will happen when demand for EPCs begins to pick up - as it will - given the new legislation in October 2008? Simple economics of supply and demand - means that many companies will put up their prices.

 But by how much ? and when will they do this? 

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18/08/2008 by Stuart White.

Some valid comments have been made about the costs of energy - given differing lifestyles and the recent rises in energy.

The EPC is produced using Government approved software and the figures used to compile the likely energy bills are updated every 6 months with industry average values.

At least the EPC is giving a consistent message  and these figures should surely be viewed as a benchmark. Perhaps over time an index should also be produced so that EPCs from different years can sensibly be compared - after all an EPC can last for 10 years.

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15/08/2008 by Stuart White.

I’m saddened to hear a colleague of mine who provided a very good discounted rate to one landlord - has been waiting 70 days for his money.

It seems to me that he has a couple of options;

1. to name and shame the landlord
2. to go to the small claims court to recover the debt and interest - the landlord has broken a contract and is in breach of contract. Of course if it gets to court then the local press will also name and shame this person
3. in future trade on different terms

I’m considering asking for cash payments if providing any form of discount and I’m also considering only handing over the certificate details once I have cleared funds.

 Any views from others in the industry?

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13/08/2008 by Stuart White.

Do Domestic Energy Assessors pay referrals to Estate Agents or Solicitors? I’ve been phoning Lettings Agents and have approached about 20 in the Hertfordshire area. Only one person has asked me about a referral fee.

 If you are paying referrals, how much are you paying? a percentage? or a flat fee?

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11/08/2008 by Stuart White.

Hertfordshire’s place to comment about the regulations affecting all homeowners and landlords. This is the area to add your comments about the process. Talking to most of my friends, they are very confused about HIPs - home information packs and the energy performance certificates, they think they are the same thing. Perhaps once the rental sector has to provide just an EPC this issue will gain wider coverage in the press and the public will be better informed. Any views on this?

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