S.J.Prouse Design are accredited SAP Surveyors and BINDT Registered Pressure Testers and offer a complete package for SAP Surveys and Air Tightness Testing. SAP Calculations - New Build and Conversions SAP The implementation of the new Part L1 Building Regulations states that SAP 2005 is the only assessment available for new dwellings. We utilise the services and software of Elmhurst Energy Services Ltd and are accredited and licensed SAP assessors with over seven years experience. The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with space heating, ventilation and lighting, less cost saving from energy generating technologies. It is adjusted for floor area so that it is essentially dependent on dwelling size for a given built form. We are able to prepare SAP reports off site, at the design stage, based on the drawings and construction materials of the dwelling, although site visits can be arranged if necessary. Tailored to individual build techniques and specifications our aim is to produce cost effective solutions to comply with Building Regulation requirements. 'U' VALUE CALCULATIONS Extensions and conservatories require 'U' Value calculations for walls, roofs and floor that satisfy the requirements of Building Regulations. We are able to provide the calculations necessary for solutions to both new build and upgraded existing constructions. PREDICTED ENERGY ASSESSMENTS (PEAs) On production of the SAP calculations at the design stage we can produce the Predicted Energy Assessment for a proposed dwelling. This certificate is required for inclusion in the Home Information Pack (HIPs) for properties that are marketed before completion. ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPCs) We are also accredited to issue Energy Performance Certificates for 'As Built' New Dwellings and Conversions, that fulfil the completion requirements of building control bodies and that are necessary for inclusion in the Home Information Packs (HIPs) for marketing purposes. Reports are prepared off site based on the drawings and materials of construction of the dwelling. Air Pressure Tests The Benefits of using S.J.Prouse Design include Quick service, only 7 days notice required. Typical test only takes 2 hours. Full test report on same day as test. Full BINDT certification delivered within 7 days of test. Local, highly skilled and motivated staff. Cost effective. Avoid costs associated with site delays. Technicians are BINDT registered (BINDT Registration No, 0093) Test is compliant with Part L1A of Building Regulations. All testing is carried out by staff trained and assessed to the standards and requirements set out by BINDT (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing), and ATTMA (Air Tightness Test and Measurement Association) A brief guide to the preparation of new domestic buildings prior to air pressure testing. Building Regulations require that new domestic dwellings must demonstrate that they are airtight. An Air Tightness Test is required to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations. The test can only be done when the critical criteria have been satisfied. The test must be carried out by trained and competent staff. Prior to the test date, the buildings detailed dimensions will be required as will the original SAP report. Pre-Test Inspection All external doors to be closed. All internal doors to be wedged open. Extracts to be sealed, mechanical systems to be switched off and sealed ie kitchen/bathroom extractions fans, cooker hoods etc Drainage traps to be filled with water. All boilers and combustion appliances, if inside the building envelope, to be shut down. Trickle vents to be closed. Any fireplaces to be temporarily sealed. There must be NO temporary seals to doors, letter boxes, manual trickle vents, cat flaps, keyholes, penetrations through walls, tumble drier vents, windows and sills. There must be NO temporary seals to drains, plugs or overflows ALL building works must be completed to air seal the building envelope including doors, windows, hatches, sills and services. Note It is advisable to complete a checklist of all temporary seals that are applied to ensure that they are removed after the internal Air Pressure Test has been carried out. After the test All of the collected data will be analysed on site and the air tightness factor will be disclosed. There can be two possible outcomes: PASS. When a building passes the test the data is used offsite to produce a controlled and traceable Test Certificate issued by BINDT. This is normally done immediately and will be sent to the client on receipt of the outstanding fee. The original SAP will need to be amended to show the measured Air Pressure Test reading and a laminated display notice issued. FAIL. If a building fails to meet the required outcome a draft copy of the results may be supplied. If any issues have been located that can be rectified promptly a retest may be carried out. Otherwise the source of the leakage will have to be identified and another Air Pressure Test carried out at a later date to prove compliance. Additional fees will be required if another Test is carried out at a later date.   Commercial EPC's We are pleased to be associated with 'Footprint Energy Assessments Ltd' who undertake Part L2a & Part L2b Compliance and Commercial EPC;s on our behalf. Click here for further information.   To make an enquiry to S.J. Prouse Design please click here.