HMO energy upgrades improve the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating and cut running costs: loft and wall insulation, heating and controls, glazing, ventilation and lighting. In Thatcham, a town of about 25,000 people in Berkshire, the work is planned around the HMO rules for England and the council’s written HMO standards.
- Area
- Berkshire, England
- Postcodes
- RG18 and RG19
- Location
- 13 miles west of Reading
- Pricing region
- South East
What do EPC and energy upgrades in Thatcham involve?
- Review of the EPC recommendations
- A post-works EPC through your assessor
- LED lighting
- Double or secondary glazing
- Internal or external wall insulation
Which rules apply in Thatcham?
EPC and energy upgrades in Thatcham must satisfy national law for England, the council’s written HMO standards and, where walls, drainage or fire separation change, the building rules. In short:
- Rented homes must currently meet at least EPC E, with a £3,500 spending cap. The government plans EPC C by October 2030, subject to legislation.
- Councils can fine up to £7,000 where a Category 1 hazard is not removed when it reasonably could have been.
- Building regulations cover structural changes, new partitions, ensuite drainage, fire-resisting construction and notifiable electrical work.
- A conversion can be a material change of use under the building regulations, so confirm with building control before work starts.
How much do EPC and energy upgrades cost in Thatcham?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation, whole house | £650 – £1,250 | £730 – £1,400 | house |
| Internal wall insulation | £60 – £100 | £70 – £110 | m² of wall |
Use these as a starting point for budgeting. Access, condition and the council’s requirements in Thatcham can move the figure either way, which is why we quote after seeing the house.
How long does it take?
Allow 2–15 working days on site for a typical job. Drawings, approvals and long-lead items such as kitchens or fire door sets are booked before we start.
When do Thatcham landlords need it?
Typical reasons for this work in Thatcham:
- High bills in an all-inclusive rent
- Planning ahead for higher standards
Questions about EPC and energy upgrades in Thatcham
What EPC does a rented HMO need?
In England and Wales most lets must currently reach at least EPC E, and the government plans EPC C in England by 2030, subject to legislation. How an HMO is let can affect how the EPC rules apply, so check the current guidance for your property.
How far do you travel from Thatcham?
We cover the whole of Berkshire and work UK-wide. For Thatcham the nearest towns on our list are Newbury (3 miles), Basingstoke (12 miles), Reading (13 miles).
Where do I check the HMO rules for an address in Thatcham?
With the local council for the address. Councils in England can add additional licensing and Article 4 directions on top of the national rules. Check the council’s website for the exact address before you buy or start work.
How much do EPC and energy upgrades cost in Thatcham?
Our guide ranges for South East are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
EPC and energy upgrades near Thatcham
- Newbury · 3 mi
- Basingstoke · 12 mi
- Reading · 13 mi
- Didcot · 14 mi
- Lower Earley · 15 mi
- Andover · 17 mi
- All of Berkshire
Other HMO services in Thatcham
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Thatcham
- Full HMO refurbishment in Thatcham
- Commercial and above-shop to HMO in Thatcham
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Thatcham
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Thatcham
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Thatcham
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Thatcham
- HMO fire safety upgrades in Thatcham