FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If your design fails the initial calculation, we provide a pass report detailing the precise, least-costly remedial options. These options might include increasing insulation thickness, improving heating system efficiency, or reducing air permeability targets.

The Overheating Assessment uses TM59 methodology to model summer temperatures, ensuring your design avoids excessive heat build-up. This protects occupants from uncomfortable or unsafe conditions and confirms compliance with planning conditions for high-risk buildings.

Yes, we specialize in non-domestic SBEM calculations for complex structures like multi-unit offices, schools, and large shops. We model the building’s geometry and proposed systems to confirm Part L compliance and produce the necessary reports.

We perform the Overglazed Extension Calculation, confirming the area of new glazing does not exceed the allowed limit relative to the floor area. If it does, we specify compensatory measures like higher thermal performance elsewhere in the design.

Yes, we calculate the required U-values for your walls, roofs, floors, and glazing. We then advise your design team or builder on specific material specifications (e.g., insulation types and thickness) that guarantee you achieve the necessary thermal performance.

We need the specifications for all proposed sanitary fittings, including flow rates for taps and showers, and flush volumes for WCs. This allows us to prove the design meets the mandatory 110 litres per person per day target.

For conversions, we perform Part L1B SAP calculations, often alongside an Overheating Assessment and Sound Insulation Testing. We ensure the retrofit meets current energy standards while respecting the existing structure.

Book the Air Tightness Test as soon as the building envelope is completely sealed. This means all windows and external doors are fitted, plastering is complete, and all service penetration holes are sealed, but before skirtings and final finishes are applied.

Your site manager must ensure all intentional ventilation (e.g., trickle vents, extract fans) is temporarily sealed, and all obvious penetrations (around pipes, cables, and window frames) have proper airtight seals. We provide a pre-test checklist to guide you.

If the test fails, our engineer immediately conducts a diagnostic survey using smoke pencils or thermal imaging to locate the air leakage paths. Your site team then performs remedial sealing, and we conduct a retest immediately, often avoiding a full rebooking.

Yes, we conduct the required tests on all mechanical ventilation systems (like MVHR and MEV). We measure the flow rates, balance the system, and issue the final commissioning certificate for submission to Building Control.

We test a sample set of dwellings. The number depends on the total number of units and the variety of construction types and layouts. We determine the minimum sampling rate required by Part E of the Building Regulations for you.

Sound Test failures most often result from poor detailing at wall-to-floor junctions, lack of robust acoustic seals around pipework, or incorrect installation of resilient layers in separating floors. We advise on these critical details.

We use specialized fan equipment to pressurize the smoke shaft system and measure the air leakage rate against the mandated limits. This confirms the shaft will draw smoke effectively and safely in the event of a fire.

Absolutely. Our In-Construction Checks allow us to inspect critical details, such as complex junction sealing or insulation installation, early on. This minimizes the risk of failure during the final Air Tightness or Sound Tests.

Yes, we perform the precise Air Leakage Testing required for Passivehaus certification. We understand the stringent targets and documentation required for the $\text{n50}$ value and support your project through that high-performance compliance process.

We schedule our site visits efficiently, arrive fully equipped, and communicate necessary preparation steps clearly in advance. Our engineers work quickly and autonomously, aiming to complete the tests without holding up other trades.

We usually issue the final EPC Certification within 24 to 48 hours of completing all mandatory site tests (Air Test, Sound Test, etc.) and receiving all final documentation from your site manager.

We typically issue the final compliance certificates (e.g., SAP, SBEM, Air Test, Sound Test) directly to you. You, or your Principal Designer, then submit these documents to Building Control as part of your overall project sign-off package.

Building Control will withhold your final completion certificate, which prevents you from legally occupying the property or selling it. You risk having to conduct retrospective, expensive, and disruptive remedial work to achieve compliance.

Your site manager must keep clear, dated photographic evidence showing the installation of insulation, specific products, and airtight membranes before they are covered. This is vital evidence for the final as-built SAP/SBEM reports.

We use SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) exclusively for all new and existing domestic dwellings (homes and flats). We use SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) for all non-domestic buildings (shops, offices, schools, etc.).

The Design Stage services model the planned build. Our As-Built services confirm that the structure, as actually built, meets the required standards. We update the calculations to reflect real-world site changes and issue the final certificates.

We primarily focus on the South East, including London, but we offer our integrated testing services (Air, Sound, Smoke Shaft) to projects across the entire UK, including major regions like the Midlands and the North West (e.g., Liverpool).

We offer bespoke, fixed-fee packages that bundle the necessary design calculations (SAP/SBEM) and required on-site testing (Air/Sound). This package approach provides better value and cost predictability than paying for individual services.

We offer a unique "One-Stop Destination" service. You deal with one accredited company for all design calculations, EPCs, and site testing, eliminating coordination headaches and minimizing risk between multiple third-party consultants.

Yes, all our assessors and engineers hold the necessary professional accreditations from bodies like Elmhurst and the relevant UKAS-accredited schemes required by Building Control for all our compliance testing.

Yes, you must inform us immediately. Any change in thermal performance (windows, insulation, heating system) requires a recalculation to ensure the design still passes Part L before construction progresses, saving you potential failure costs later.

While you can technically engage us just before testing, the latest effective time to hire us is before construction begins. Early engagement allows us to influence the design (e.g., SAP/SBEM) and prevent expensive compliance issues on site.