21 Apr 2013 3:25 PM:

 Hi Acer,

I have very clearly explained the difference in cost.

You state that it is our choice to use Architects not junior staff, it is not, it is the legislation in Spain.  The legislation does not merely require a competent person.  I am afraid not anyone with a few days training and a basic construction background can do the job in Spain.  They would be providing certificates illegally and they would be worthless.  The legislation is clearly provided for all to see online.

You are very wrong if you believe that the costs of running and setting up a business in Spain are less or the same as in the UK. 

We have set our pricing structure to be as competitive as it can be while providing a good service.  We are confident with the level of interest shown in our sevices so far.

Simon

CertEnergetico

 

Thread: Energy Performance Certificates come to Spain

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21 Apr 2013 11:36 AM:

 Hi Acer,

Yes, I can.

Firstly as a provider of EPC's in the UK, I think the price is unsustainable.  I would say that of course but it really is.  We carry out around 4800 per annum and our average price is £56.00.

Once you deduct the cost of lodging the certificate, travel, staff costs/time, admin support & PI cover, there is very, very little profit in providing EPC's in the UK.  We provide them as a secondary service to our main surveying activities and as a means to get our brand out there and drive customers to other services.

You are paying an average of £56 for a certificate with a validity of 10 years.  At that level we have to keep the salaries low and work our staff very hard doing multiple appointments per day.  The whole point of the Energy Certificate gets lost as they become a paper excercise to carry out as many as you can, rather than an excercise to advise and educate people that they can make a difference, save money and contribute to a greener environment.

I understand that the consumer just wants the certitifcate at the lowest possible cost but we should still remember what the whole point of the excercise is.  If the advice given within the EPC/by the assessor is followed, the consumer can make substantial cost savings over the course of 10 years.  Most importantly, we can all have a large scale positive impact on our environment.

The cost of providing the certificate in Spain is higher.  We are employing Architects not junior staff as we do in the UK.  Taxes are higher and the costs of running the business are again higher.  There are slight differences to an EPC and a Certificado Energetico, it will take slightly longer to carry out the Spanish version.

I believe that we should be charging closer to £150 in the UK on average and that the prices being charged in Spain are fair.  Please remember this is only my opinion and I do not set market prices merely respond to them as a business.

Simon

CertEnergetico

 

Thread: Energy Performance Certificates come to Spain

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21 Apr 2013 9:15 AM:

Hopefully no-one is doing Energy Certificates in Spain for 90 Euros!

We provide the CEE in Spain and we are also part of a group who provides them in the UK.  Our approach to providing them in Spain was to set up a Spanish company, employ our own fully qualified bi-lingual architects and invest in Spain.  

Although we are up and running, we are still looking for a good commercial unit in the area of La Torre, San Javier, etc.  Please contact us if you can help?

The legislation is clear in Spain you have to be an Arquitecto, Arquitecto Tecnico, Ingeniero or an Ingeniero Tecnico to provide Energy Certificates under the new legislation for existing buildings.  There seems to be some confusion over this.  There are courses available to take that will qualify you to provide the Energy Certifictate in Spain and we had several applicants who had this. Unfortunately, unless you are a qualified Architect or Engineer, you will not be able to provide the CEE for existing buildings.  Energy Certificates are not new to Spain as they have been required on new builds for some time.  To provide a CEE for a new build you don't need to be an Architect or an Engineer, just qualified to provide them.  

Please make sure when instructing an Energy Certificate in Spain for an existing dwelling that the assessor is a qualified Architect or Engineer and not just someone who has been on a training course.  Your Energy Certificate will not be valid and you will need another one to sell or rent your property.

Come 1st June, it is going to be very interesting.  There are simply not enough providers of the Energy Certificate to carry out all the work required in the time.

Providing the certificates in Spain and the UK gives us a unique edge and we are able to answer any queries you have.

Our pricing is very competetive and we are offering 20% off if you book and obtain your Energy Certificate before the 1st June.

Simon

CertEnergetico

Thread: Energy Performance Certificates come to Spain

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