Assessments Procedures
If you’re building Code for Sustainable Homes or Ecohomes in Oxford, the Thames Valley or anywhere else in England, then you need to make sure that your development meets the assessment criteria requirements.
Code for Sustainable Homes
What you need to know
The Assessment for the Code for Sustainable Homes is carried out at two stages: the Design Stage and Post Construction Stage. In addition, there is also an initial stage called the Pre-assessment Stage which is often used as part of the Local Authority Planning submission. This does not form part of the formal Assessment process.
Pre-assessment Stage
This stage is usually only required for planning. Local authorities may require a pre-assessment calculation and report which provides an overview of how the dwellings in the development will achieve the particular Code Level. While this does not commit you anything specifically, it is a good starting point for thinking about how you will address various issues.
Design Stage
This is the first part of the formal assessment process and results in the awarding of an interim certificate that details the level achieved. The assessment is based on evidence provided by the developer regarding the specific categories and issues covered by the Code. It is essential that all mandatory elements are satisfied before credits are awarded and a final Code level calculated. In many instances it you won’t need to provide specific evidence if you can demonstrate a commitment to satisfy the particular requirements.
Post construction Stage
This is a review of what happened subsequent to the Design Stage assessment and takes into account whether the commitments made at the Design Stage were actually fulfilled. Evidence from site visits carried out during construction is again assessed in the form of documentary data such as delivery notes or photographs or reports. The final assessment results in the awarding of the final certificate which is then included in the Home Information Pack (HIP) if the property is being sold.
How we can help
We aim to make CSH assessments as simple and easy as possible. So if you do need to go through pre-assessment, we’ll provide a calculation and report that meets your local planning needs. By understanding your particular requirements for developing Code for Sustaianble Homes Oxford, Bristol or anywhere else in the country, we’ll help you devise a strategy to achieve the Code level you need.
Ecohomes
Ecohomes assessments can be carried out at both the Design Stage and Post Construction Stage. However, the later an Ecohomes assessment is carried out, the more difficult it becomes to take remedial action. Pre-assessment estimates can be generated to understand the issues covered by an Ecohomes rating and to see the level of information that needs to be provided.
Ready to talk?
Simply contact us today, or find out more about us, our approach and CSH &EcoHomes. Alternatively, you can visit our client area or get help with your CSH Requirements and EcoHomes Requirements, and discover the range of other services we provide.
Proport Eco-Services – Code for Sustainable Homes and Ecohomes assessments Oxford, Thames Valley, M4 corridor and surrounding areas