SAP: New build

SAP: Conversions

In short, we require the following information:

• A full set of architectural drawings.
• Construction specification.
• Mechanical and electrical specification.

In detail, the information supplied should include:

• Floor plans, elevation and section drawings.
• Site plan, showing each dwellings location and orientation.
• Specification for the construction of all floors, roofs and external walls.
• Specification and U-value for all external windows and doors.
• Details of the primary heating system (such as the make and model of the boiler or heat pump) and associated controls.
• Details of any mechanical ventilation (for example, the number of mechanical extract fans or make and model of MVHR system).
• The number of standard light bulbs and the number of low energy light bulbs (unless 100% low energy).
• Details of the hot water system, including cylinder size (make and model of the cylinder where known).
• Details of any fixed secondary heating (such as a wood burning stove).
• Details of any low or zero carbon technology, such as solar hot water or photovoltaics.

SAP: Extensions

In order to process the SAP calculations we will require the following information:

• Floor plans, elevation and section drawings for both the existing dwelling and the proposed extension.
• A detailed construction specification for the proposed extension.
• An approximate age and construction type for all floors, roofs and external walls within the existing dwelling (for example, 1970s cavity wall).
• A description of all external windows and doors within the existing dwelling (for example, 10 year old UPVC double glazed).
• Details of the primary heating system (such as the make and model of the boiler).
• Details of any mechanical ventilation (for example, the number of mechanical extract fans).
• The number of standard light bulbs and the number of low energy light bulbs (unless 100% low energy).
• Details of any hot water storage.
• Details of any fixed secondary heating systems (such as open fire place).
• Details of any low or zero carbon technology, such as solar hot water or photovoltaics.

Water calculations

To carry out your water calculation, we will require the following:

• A set of floor plans;
• The flow rate of the kitchen tap;
• The flow rate of WC and bathroom taps;
• The bath volume;
• The flush volume of WCs;
• The flow rate of showers;
• The make and model of the dishwasher;
• The make and model of the washing machine;
• Details of any water softener; and
• Details of any rainwater or greywater harvesting.

Air test: Dwellings

Prior to attending site we shall require the following information:

• Floor plans, section and elevation drawings;
• Design-stage SAP report for each dwelling that is to be tested;
• Contact details for the site we are to attend; and
• Confirmation that each dwelling is ready to be tested (please review our readiness checklist below).

Readiness checklist:

• All windows & external doors must be installed, glazed and closed.
• All walls/floors/ceilings must be in a finished state, i.e. no visible holes. This includes internal walls, floors and ceilings.
• All skirting boards, electrical sockets, light switches and light fittings must be fitted.
• Kitchen units and bathroom suites should be fitted. Please ensure all holes in the fabric that are likely to be concealed behind units are permanently sealed before they become inaccessible.
• Loft hatches/eaves cupboards must be fitted and draft stripped.
• The application of mastic sealant should be complete.
• All holes created where services penetrate the fabric of the building must be permanently sealed.
• Drainage traps should be filled with water.
• Trades will not have access to the dwellings during the tests.
• Mechanical ventilation systems will be temporarily sealed during the test.
• Passive ventilation systems including trickle vents will be closed (and under Part L 2010, also temporarily sealed) during the test.
• Open flues and chimneys will be temporarily sealed during the test.
• Our standard test equipment fits openings up to 1000mm x 2400mm; the front/back door to the property would usually be used. Please advise if we will not have access to an external doorway within these dimensions.
• A 240v or 110v power source will be required for the duration of the test.

Sound test: Dwellings

Prior to attending site we shall require the following information:

• Floor plans, section and elevation drawings;
• Contact details for the site we are to attend; and
• Confirmation that each dwelling is ready to be tested (please review our readiness checklist below).

Readiness checklist:

• ACCESS IS REQUIRED TO THE PROPERTIES EITHER SIDE OF A PARTY WALL/FLOOR BEING TESTED. WHERE RELEVANT, AGREEMENT TO ACCESS THESE PROPERTIES MUST BE CONFIRMED WITH NEIGHBOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE TEST.
• All windows & external doors must be installed, glazed and closed.
• All walls/floors/ceilings must be in a finished state, i.e. no visible holes. This includes internal walls, floors and ceilings.
• Trickle vents or other ventilation systems will be installed and closed.
• All skirting boards, electrical sockets, light switches and light fittings must be fitted.
• For impact floor sound insulation tests, there should be no soft covering fitted to floors within the rooms that are to be tested (e.g. carpet, soft vinyl or ceramics). If carpets have been fitted, they must be rolled back for the duration of the test.
• Rooms to be tested must be unfurnished, empty and tidy.
• Trades will not have access to the dwellings during the tests.
• There should be no noisy operations or work carried out nearby the dwellings during testing (drilling, cutting & groundwork).
• 240v mains power must be available within the rooms to be tested.

Extractor fan flow rate testing

Prior to attending site we shall require the following information:

• Contact details for the site we are to attend; and
• Confirmation that the extract fans are installed, operational and ready to be tested.

SBEM: New build and conversions

Air test: Commercial

Prior to attending site we shall require the following information:

• Floor plans, section and elevation drawings;
• Design-stage SBEM report for each building that is to be tested;
• Contact details for the site we are to attend; and
• Confirmation that each building is ready to be tested (please review our readiness checklist below).

Readiness checklist:

• All windows, rooflights & external doors must be installed and draught stripped prior to the test and kept closed for the duration of the test.
• All walls/floors/ceilings should be in a finished state, i.e. no gaps or holes in the primary air barrier. This includes internal walls, floors and ceilings.
• Any access hatches must be fitted and draft stripped prior to the test.
• The application of mastic sealant should be complete.
• All holes created where services penetrate the primary air barrier must be permanently sealed.
• Drainage traps should be filled with water.
• No personnel should enter or exit the building test area whilst the air permeability test is in progress (usually one hour).
• All mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems must be switched off and temporarily sealed with polythene sheet or Cordek and self-adhesive tape prior to the test.
• A 240v or 110v power source will be required for the duration of the test.

Energy Statements

Overheating risk analysis

Air test: UFAD

Prior to attending site we shall require the following information:

• Scale drawings of the floor plenum;
• Contact details for the site we are to attend; and
• Confirmation that the plenum are ready to be tested (please refer to the readiness checklist below).

Readiness checklist:

• Ideally, the floor plenum should be tested after the installation of services that penetrate the walls and floor of the plenum, but prior to the installation of services that penetrate the raised access floor, such as electrical connections or diffusers. It should also be tested before any carpets have been laid.
• All air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems serving the plenum, adjacent spaces, or ductwork that passes through the plenum should be switched off for the duration of the test. Air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation duct outlets within the plenum should be temporarily sealed.
• For the purpose of measuring the plenum leakage rate all joints in the raised access floor, floor-to-wall joints and electrical boxes should be temporarily sealed for the duration of the test. Taping these on a large floor area can be time-consuming. An alternative procedure is to lay a plastic sheet over the raised access floor and seal this with tape at the perimeter. If this method is used, caution should be exercised, as the pressurisation of the floor plenum may cause the tape seals to break. All sealing should be done with care since tape may damage surface finishes when removed.
• Grilles and diffusers should be temporarily sealed or be replaced by floor tiles for the duration of the test.
• For the purpose of measuring the combined raised access floor and plenum leakage any temporary sealing of joints in the raised access floor, floor-to-wall joints and electrical boxes should be removed. The raised access floor should be free from obstructions, and grilles and diffusers should remain sealed.
• A 240v or 110v power source will be required for the duration of the test.