The scale is from A to G. A is a very energy efficient home, and G a non-energy efficient home. The more energy efficient your home, the higher the estimated savings on energy bills.
Ways to improve your home's energy efficiency
- Replace your boiler. Boilers use up to 60% of a home's energy. Boilers are rated A to G. Changing to an A-rated boiler, which is over 90% efficient, could save you £300 a year on energy bills.
- Loft insulation. Reduce heat loss by insulating a loft with 270mm of insulation and save up to £150 a year. Go to the National Insulation Association (NIA) website to find an installer near you.
- Wall insulation. A third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. You could save over £100 a year on energy bills by insulating your walls. Go to the National Insulation Association (NIA) website to find an installer near you.
- Insulating under floorboards on the ground floor could save you about £40 a year, and you can seal the gaps between floors and skirting boards to reduce draughts.
- Double glazing and insulation are great ways to reduce the amount of heat lost in your home, whilst reducing your energy bills. Depending on the house type, installing double glazing can save you on average £90 a year. Go to the Glass and Glazing Federation’s website to find a member who works in your area. Remember to also check the insulation in the ceiling and basements.
3. Natural Light
The position of a house affects how much natural light gets in. This can have an impact on your heating bills as well as your frame of mind. A south-facing home will make the most of natural light and warmth while a north-facing one may keep your house cooler – not so great in winter, but beneficial in summer. A north-facing home can be bright if the main living space is at the back and there are lots of windows.
4. Parking Spaces
Parking wars with your neighbours can be stressful. If the house you’re viewing doesn’t come with a garage or off-street parking, check how much space there is on the road. A good tip is to go and look at the parking situation in the evening and at a weekend when you’ll get a better idea of what parking is really like.
You should also look if there are any parking restrictions near the property. If so, it may impact you and any future visitors or guests you have. Do you need a permit to park and, if so, how much will it cost?
5. Mobile Coverage
If you’re not planning to use a landline, mobile signal will be an important thing to consider.
When looking round a house, check how much signal you get in each room, and try to make a call.
6. Storage Space
Once you've bought a house, you'll start to mount up more and more stuff. Does the home you're looking at have lots of space? Are there good places to keep things like your vacuum and spare bedding?
Storage space in newly built homes can be even more lacking. Check if there’s room to build in cupboards or shelving.
Make sure you know exactly what fixtures and fittings are being left as part of the sale – if in doubt, ask your conveyancer.