Most property projects don't fail on bricks and mortar — they fail on compliance, energy performance, and details developers underestimate.
In this episode, we sit down with Productive Energy founder Nate to demystify SAP, EPCs, ventilation, airtightness, and sound testing — and show you how to get them right first time.
What we cover:
- What SAP assessments really are — and why they matter more than most developers think
- The biggest EPC killers in refurbishments, HMOs, and conversions
- SAP Design vs SAP As-Built (and why missing documents can cost you money)
- Easy, low-cost upgrades that have the biggest EPC impact
- Ventilation mistakes that lead to mould, complaints, and failed inspections
- Airtightness tests explained simply (and how not to overdo it)
- Why sound tests fail — and proven acoustic build-ups that pass
- What's unique (and risky) about commercial-to-residential compliance
- How poor early design decisions massively increase costs later
- How to avoid retests, delays, and Building Control nightmares
- The paperwork every developer must collect during a project
- The biggest EPC myths developers still believe
Our companies:
- ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation & property management
- ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity
- ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate
Sponsorship:
- This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties.
- We develop and convert property across the UK.
- Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed.
- Find out more: zenproperties.uk