How Much Do SBEM Calculations Cost?
SBEM calculations: From £250 + VAT. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project. This guide explains whether you need one, why new commercial buildings go through two stages and what to send us.
In this guide
Do I need an SBEM calculation?
New commercial buildings
Usually yes. Offices, shops, warehouses, schools, hotels and similar buildings need a new build SBEM (L2A) to show they meet Part L.
Commercial extensions
Only in some cases. You need one if the extension is over 100m² and also over 25% of the existing building, or if it goes over the glazing limits. See SBEM for existing buildings (L2B).
Conversions and changes of use
Often, where the existing fabric cannot meet the standards or a new EPC is needed.
Other work to existing buildings
Usually not. Most of this work can comply by meeting the U-values and efficiency figures in the Approved Document.
Some buildings are exempt, including places of worship, temporary buildings planned for two years or less, and stand-alone buildings under 50 square metres.
Why a new building goes through two stages
A new commercial building is normally modelled twice, because the first version is a prediction and the second is the finished building.
Design stage
The drawings and specification are modelled before work starts. This gives you a BRUKL report for Building Control, and shows up any problems while they are cheap to fix.
As-built
The model is updated at the end with what was really installed and the air test result. This gives you the final BRUKL report and leads to the commercial EPC.
The From £250 + VAT price covers the design-stage calculation, the as-built calculation and the EPC. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project.
What we need to give you a price
The fuller the information, the more accurate the quote. Send what you have:
- The site address and what the building will be used for.
- The floor area and the stage you are at.
- Floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Wall, floor and roof build-ups, and a window schedule.
- Heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting details, if you have them.
- Any solar panels or other renewables planned.
Do not worry if the services design is not finished. Tell us what is still to be decided.
What can add to the cost of your project?
The calculation fee is rarely the biggest risk. These are the things that can cost more:
- Leaving it late. If the first calculation is done after the design is fixed, a fail can mean changing the glazing, plant or lighting after they have been ordered.
- Changes on site. A different boiler, lighting scheme or wall build-up has to go into the as-built model, and it can change the result.
- A poor air test result. The figure goes into the as-built calculation, so it can affect the pass. See how much an air test costs.
- Missing paperwork at the end. The as-built model needs the real product details for what was installed, so keep them as you go.
What if the building fails?
The model is there to find this out early. The assessor can look at where the building falls short and suggest changes to the fabric, glazing, plant, lighting, controls or renewables. This is much easier before work starts than at handover.
Do the 2027 rules change anything?
A new Approved Document L Volume 2 takes effect on 24 March 2027 for work in England that is not higher-risk building work. You can stay on the current rules if your Building Control notice or application goes in before 24 March 2027 and work starts before 24 March 2028. See our Future Homes Standard guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an SBEM calculation cost?
SBEM calculations are From £250 + VAT. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project.
What is a BRUKL report?
It is the compliance report the SBEM calculation produces. Building Control uses it to check that a commercial building meets Part L. You will usually need one at design stage and another when the building is finished.
Is an SBEM the same as a commercial EPC?
No. The SBEM shows the building meets Part L. The EPC is the energy certificate for the finished building, and it is normally produced from the as-built SBEM.
When should I get an SBEM done?
Before work starts, while the fabric, heating, ventilation and lighting can still be changed.
Does a commercial extension need an SBEM?
Not always. It usually does if the floor area is over 100m² and also over 25% of the existing building, or if the glazing is over the limit. Send us the drawings and we will tell you before you pay for one.
Do I need an air test as well?
In most cases, yes. New non-domestic buildings are pressure tested and the result goes into the as-built calculation. Buildings under 500 square metres can avoid a test if the calculation assumes 15 m³/(h·m²).
Get a Free Quote for Your Project
Send us the floor plans, the building use and your specification, and we will confirm which calculation applies.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Based on Approved Document L Volume 2. General guidance for England only. Get project-specific advice before relying on it.