For which types of works do you need to carry out new property diagnostics?

As a reminder, a poor energy performance certificate rating in no way obliges the owner to carry out works, but carrying out works can of course change your EPC rating: some projects then require pre-works diagnostics, while others will render the diagnostics obsolete.

Some may decide to carry out works to improve the comfort of the home, to bring it up to standard or to improve the property’s energy rating. To ensure the safety of the workers and users of the property, it is advisable to carry out certain property diagnostics beforehand.

Property diagnostics: the works subject to the obligation of prior diagnostics

Not all works require the same steps. If you wish to carry out works, depending on their nature, the very structure of the building may be altered or hazardous materials may be released. In that case, a pre-works diagnostic is required, and that’s perfect: at RITMODiag, we are delighted to offer you our services for this work!

For all buildings whose planning permission predates 1 July 1997, the projects subject to pre-works diagnostics are:

• Partial or total demolition,
• Renovation (drilling into walls, removing floors, ceilings, partitions,
  coatings, etc.),
• Roof repairs,
• Roof-framing works,
• Façade refurbishment,
• Replacement of joinery and/or windows,
• Electrical works,
• Plumbing works,
• Asbestos removal works.

Generally, an asbestos diagnostic will be carried out; this is known as a RAT – pre-works asbestos survey – or a RAD – pre-demolition asbestos survey – depending on the case. Indeed, during works, particularly in older buildings, asbestos may be present in various materials and can be harmful if released into the air. Our priority: your safety (and that of everyone working on site!).

For dwellings built before 1 January 1949, it may be necessary to carry out a lead diagnostic. For example, if you decide to start a renovation or strip coatings (old paint) or undertake anything that may damage coatings containing lead. For all our dedicated readers (thank you!), we discussed in our previous articles the dangers of lead, particularly for a target group (young children or pregnant women).

Finally, as part of a partial demolition or the conversion of a building located in a risk zone, it may be useful to carry out a pest survey (dry rot, termites and all types of fungi and insects).

But what about the diagnostics to be done or updated after the works have been carried out?
We’re getting there… Here we are!

Owner of a property under renovation intended for sale: which diagnostics after the works?

When you carry out works in your property, besides the pre-works diagnostics that identify the risks associated with old materials (asbestos and lead, for example), some diagnostics may need updating once the project is complete.

Indeed, some projects will render your existing diagnostics obsolete, and it will be wise to have new ones carried out. Our teams also support you through these steps!

Renovation, extension, demolition: the property diagnostics to update

In the case of a renovation, extension or demolition, the initial diagnostics may no longer be up to date, in whole or in part.

For example:

• The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), where the works have altered the insulation, heating system or ventilation, or in the case of an extension, since the habitable floor area changes,
• The habitable floor area diagnostic (Loi Carrez or Loi Boutin) when converting
  a loft or basement, if you decide to create or remove a room (adding a
  partition) or when you build an extension (adding a conservatory to
  enjoy the fine weather),
• The electrical diagnostic or gas diagnostic, where the installation has been modified
  (updating the consumer unit, bringing it up to standard, etc.),
• The asbestos diagnostic, where certain materials have been replaced or removed,

There are many examples of works. You may also decide to convert commercial premises into a dwelling; in that case, numerous diagnostics must be carried out and/or updated, since this is a genuine change of use of your property!

Note that during a complete rehabilitation, it will be recommended to redo all the property diagnostics to reflect the new capabilities and characteristics of your property.

Property diagnostics and works: what owners need to know

If you are considering selling your property, the diagnostics you had carried out before any renovation are no longer valid. It is important to update everything.

For a detached house or a flat, the same property
diagnostics are not required, but they must be updated, particularly following changes to
your property.

Don’t sell without checking your diagnostics after renovation!

Always remember to check the date and validity period of your diagnostics before starting any works (renovation, rehabilitation, demolition) and, above all, to update the post-works diagnostics if the installations, the habitable floor area or the materials have been changed.

These steps allow you to comply with the regulations in force and thus ensure a sale or let in full transparency. Above all, improving your EPC can considerably increase the value of your home through financial, environmental and comfort improvements.

Need to update your diagnostics? Contact RITMODiag now to arrange an appointment

Are you starting a renovation and/or rehabilitation project on your property before putting it up for sale? You can contact our teams now to arrange an appointment as quickly as possible to carry out your mandatory diagnostics.

RITMODiag supports you through every step of your property diagnostics with professionalism and responsiveness.

Contact us now to get a quote or arrange an
appointment with our experienced surveyors.