ᐅ New Construction: Verifying Energy Efficiency Certificates / Energy Performance Certificates, Checking Costs
Created on: 2 Mar 2012 19:56
O
Orschel
Hello,
I have a question regarding the required energy certificates needed for new constructions. Do you only need the standard 5-page energy certificate, or are additional documents necessary? Our architect also gave us a 53-page energy saving report for our house. Until now, I thought only the energy certificate was required, or is this 53-page document part of the actual certificate, essentially the calculation basis?
The architect had these certificates prepared without discussing it with us first, so I wanted to ask what the usual cost for this would be. We do trust our architect, but I like to double-check these things to make sure everything is within a reasonable range.
Thank you
Orschel
I have a question regarding the required energy certificates needed for new constructions. Do you only need the standard 5-page energy certificate, or are additional documents necessary? Our architect also gave us a 53-page energy saving report for our house. Until now, I thought only the energy certificate was required, or is this 53-page document part of the actual certificate, essentially the calculation basis?
The architect had these certificates prepared without discussing it with us first, so I wanted to ask what the usual cost for this would be. We do trust our architect, but I like to double-check these things to make sure everything is within a reasonable range.
Thank you
Orschel
€uro schrieb:
What does this mean? It is not permitted to size heating systems based on results from the energy saving ordinance. The same applies to quantitative statements regarding the actual demand or consumption.
Best regards.I would like to ask more precisely on what basis the heating system is planned. I assumed it was also planned based on the energy performance certificate, but if this is not allowed, I think other criteria must have been used.
By the way, I found out that the energy performance certificate is usually not included in the architect’s fee, but is charged separately as a consulting service. Therefore, it would be great if someone could provide a rough estimate of how much this might cost.
Hello,
I believe what you are referring to is the thermal insulation certificate, which is naturally required for the building permit / planning permission. However, this is usually not issued by the architect. It is a so-called technical construction certificate. This is typically prepared together with the structural safety certificate by the structural engineer.
Therefore, it is not part of the architect's scope of services.
Best regards
I believe what you are referring to is the thermal insulation certificate, which is naturally required for the building permit / planning permission. However, this is usually not issued by the architect. It is a so-called technical construction certificate. This is typically prepared together with the structural safety certificate by the structural engineer.
Therefore, it is not part of the architect's scope of services.
Best regards
E.Curb schrieb:
Hello,
I believe what you mean is the thermal insulation certificate, which is, of course, required for the building permit / planning permission. However, this is usually not issued by the architect. It is what is called a structural engineering certificate. This is typically prepared together with the structural safety certificate by the structural engineer.
Therefore, it is not part of the architect’s services.
RegardsExactly, our structural engineer probably prepared this. However, the total cost is supposed to be around 2,000€ (about $2,200), which seems far too high to me. Friends who have also built, even slightly larger homes, had costs of about 600€ (about $660) for this...
On Friday, we will have a meeting about this and I will ask to have explained what is included in the 2,000€ (about $2,200)! If this amount is only for the thermal insulation certificate, I will definitely not pay it.
Orschel schrieb:
Correct, our structural engineer probably prepared this. However, the total cost is said to be around 2,000€ (about 2,000 USD), which seems way too high to me. This is likely the full package (structural engineering, fire protection, sound insulation, energy performance certificate) from the structural engineer. For a typical single-family house, depending on the design, the energy performance certificate usually accounts for about 350€ (approximately 350 USD). Unfortunately, structural engineers are rarely also energy consultants or MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) planners. Best regards.
€uro schrieb:
This should be the complete package (structural calculations, fire and sound insulation, energy saving regulation documentation) provided by the structural engineer. For the energy saving regulation documentation alone, around 350 € can be expected for a typical single-family house, depending on the building’s geometry. Unfortunately, structural engineers are rarely also energy consultants or MEP planners.
Best regards.Structural calculations are definitely not included; that will be an additional cost. Fire and sound insulation alone shouldn’t amount to €1,500 if I even estimate the energy saving regulation documentation at €500...
I can already see that there is a significant need for clarification here. Upon inquiry, the heating system was apparently selected by our heating installer based on our energy saving regulation documentation. I have also done some further research, and I think I will invest additional money to carry out a separate heat load calculation... So far, the heating system was selected with a heating capacity of 10 kW. The building size is 240 m² (2,583 sq ft), of which 30 m² (323 sq ft) are basement areas.
Orschel schrieb:
Structural engineering is definitely not included; that comes separately. Fire and sound protection alone shouldn’t cost as much as 1,500€ if I even estimate the energy saving regulation certificate at 500€... Overall, the costs don’t look very promising. Orschel schrieb:
... Upon inquiry, it appears that the heating system was indeed selected by our heating installer based on our energy saving regulation certificate... The certificate is always just a rough guideline, nothing more. Whether a structural engineer actually chose the most sensible solution cannot be judged from afar. For a proper basis, an assessment of the actual demand depending on the chosen building fabric, climate location, and user behavior would be necessary. From this actual demand, combined with the technical solution for heating, domestic hot water generation, and ventilation system, the realistically expected consumption can be derived. This assessment alone leads to a reliable evaluation of the necessary investments. The builder can at best use the certificate for the building component geometry and U-values of the components, if a controlled residential ventilation system with or without heat recovery is applied, the air volumes determined according to the air volume plan following DIN 1946-6, and the concept specified by the certificate (heat generator, etc.) for their calculations!
Orschel schrieb:
... and I’m preparing a separate heating load calculation... The heating load calculation according to DIN 12831 alone is not sufficient, especially if condensing boilers, heat pumps, or pellet heaters are planned as heat generators. Modern heating systems can be very efficient, but only if a complete and comprehensive sizing/calculation of all components is conducted. This includes, among other things, the heating surfaces and, for example, the system hydraulics. With an open campfire, however, none of this is necessary!
It is now known that clients are often taken advantage of regarding technical systems in general contractor projects. One would not expect this in more expensive independent architect planning. Apparently, quick money is being made here at the expense of the client.
Best regards.
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