Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Energy Performance Certificates Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) have been introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Government Legislation that came into force on the 1st October 2008 in regards to Energy Performance Certificates, which are now required on the leasing or sale of all commercial premises.
The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average up to now being 'D'. Accredited energy assessors produce EPCs alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient.
Properties That Will Require An EPC:
The legislation provides for some exceptions, such as:
The EPC should be in place prior to the marketing of the property as applicants who request sight of the EPC must have this provided without delay. The penalty for failing to provide a prospective purchaser or tenant with an EPC is fixed, in most cases at 12.5% of the ratable value of the building, with a default penalty of £750 when the formula cannot be applied. The penalties range from a minimum of £500 to a capped maximum of £5,000. Responsibility for enforcement in newly built properties falls within the remit of Building Control, whilst Trading Standards oversees the enforcement of certificates of existing buildings.
To be specific, an EPC must be provided to a prospective purchaser or tenant, no later than:
a) Any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information.
b) When a viewing/inspection of the building is conducted.
The EPC is valid for a 10 year term unless changes to the buildings energy efficiency have been made. Goodsir Commercial works with a chosen selection of EPC Assessors and we can arrange for a quote where you are under no obligation to instruct us. Because we have researched the market place and recommend a large volume of EPC's that are commissioned, the quality of the assessor has been well tested and the fees charged are very competitive.
Asbestos Survey
Asbestos is a material that was widely used in building construction throughout the Post War decades of the 1950's, 60's and 70's.
Recent legislation to control future asbestos related health problems has been put in place, so that with any non domestic property transaction, there is the onerous towards the parties (landlord and tenant) to consider the question of potential asbestos in the subject property. Case law has shown that employers and companies have been sued for negligence for asbestos related diseases and if no company asbestos policy to prevent exposure to asbestos had been put in place this could lead to very large fines or even imprisonment.
Through our associated contractors, Goodsir Commercial can arrange for asbestos surveys to be carried out.
Architects & Planning
Goodsir Commercial has built a strong reputation on Development Projects. With our knowledge, experience and expertise in The Property Market we are key in assisting with other professionals such as architects and planning consultants on implementing the design and new planning applications for a range of different schemes.
With this background, we have developed strong working relationships with a selection of architects and planning consultants and can suggest and refer who best to instruct on a specific project. Whether it is a small scale refurbishment of a shop and uppers, a large site assembly, Goodsir Commercial are well placed to advise on planning consultancy and architecture, through our associated professional network.
The commercial agency department has worked on a number of Use Class Changes, where we have been instructed to submit full planning applications and leading from the front by liaising direct with duty officers and putting forward strong cases in order to achieve a successful change of use decision.
Legal Referrals
On any given property acquisition or sale, whether it is a freehold purchase, or agreeing a new lease for rental it is essential that you have the best possible legal adviser acting on your behalf. This is to ensure a successful transaction and above all having your interests taken care of to minimize your exposure to any future problems.
Over the years, Goodsir Commercial has developed strong working relationships with a selection of property solicitors, who we believe offer the best possible service, from covering all legal matters involved on a lease or sale contract, just simply providing a responsive service, like returning calls, following up enquiries promptly and talking to the client in plain English and not legal jargon.
It is natural to assume that your solicitor is qualified, regulated and up to the job, but like any other professional there is a large amount of practitioners who are not professionally qualified and do not abide or are members of the usual regulatory bodies. Your solicitor will more than likely be handling client's money, whether this is required to complete on a purchase or an initial payment to cover disbursements.
In most cases buying property is usually the single biggest purchase you will ever make and a solicitor is a key part in the purchasing process in order that all your interests are taken care of.
Here is a list of the following Regulatory Bodies that a solicitor should be a member of:
We would suggest that you contact the regulatory bodies listed above to satisfy yourself that the solicitor you have chosen to act on your behalf is members of The Law Society of England and Wales, The Solicitors Regulation Authority and has a comprehensive Indemnity Insurance in place.
From dealing with property transactions on a daily basis, Goodsir Commercial is well placed to recommend the right solicitor for your requirement.
Office Fit-Out Services
For any business and organization the logistics involved when moving to new premises creates upheaval, requires forward planning and pulls away resources from the day to day running of the business. Not only is it an investment in the new space, but it is difficult to avoid the short term financial effects that a move causes to any business. Not taking away the fact that the reason most businesses and organizations move, is to expand and become more successful!
If you are looking for a contractor that can design and fit-out your space, we work with a number of fit-out specialists who we can recommend you to. They would be happy to arrange and on-site meeting, which they will follow up with ideas and written quotes. Remember, you are under no obligation, they understand that they work in a competitive market, and are there to try and win your business.
Depending on budget and requirement we work with a range of contractors who specialize in various levels of specification. On-site meeting to discuss your requirements. Providing you with space planning ideas. They are experts in their field and have the experience to advise on how best arrange a layout that works well for your business.
Retail Fit-Out Services
A retailer not only has to have the right merchandise and provide the highest standard of customer service, today it is now more critical than ever to create a space to give your customers and clients the retail experience.
Part of the strategy in building customer loyalty is making sure that your retail branches has an interesting, aesthetically pleasing design and it stands out from the crowd. The decor of your shop has also got to reflect your brand, as ever Retail is Detail.
Goodsir Commercial has number of retail design and fit-out specialist that we work closely with. They can provide you with the following service:
IT & Telecom Services
Goodsir Commercial has a wealth of experience helping businesses and organizations to find their right commercial premises. The process for the client of re-locating is extensive and provides the opportunity for exploring new I.T and Voice suppliers.
This is whether your are looking to reduce operational costs or have a desire to find a company to improve on your services, as it is always prudent to explore these issues to help you fine tune your business. We have established strong working relationships with a selection of I.T Support and Telecoms Companies who we know through personal and other client's experiences that they can deliver on service and compete on costs.
When talking to us about rent, price or square footage, you can also ask us about our I.T and Telecoms Support contacts who we can refer to you to provide and appraise to cater for your specific requirements.
What to consider: