If you have a property that you are selling or about to put on the rental market, you will likely need an Energy Performance Certificate as part of your upcoming transaction. The EPC document, including an energy efficiency rating, is produced as a result of an assessment that takes place at your property.
EPC assessments are carried out by energy assessors who have specific qualifications to enable them to perform the assessment. If you are getting an EPC for a residential property, you may see them referred to as DEAs (Domestic Energy Assessors); for commercial properties, they are NDEAs (Non-Domestic Energy Assessor).
In this article we have assumed that you have found a reliable and qualified assessor to assess your property, but if not - the first step is to enlist one. That's something we can help with! Our team includes assessors who are highly experienced at producing EPCs for both residential and commercial properties, so get in touch if you need advice.
The assessment is usually a quick and simple process, but there are a few things we recommend making sure you have in place ahead of a DEA or NDEA visiting you. Today we're taking a closer look at how to prepare for the Energy Performance Certificate assessment - your checklist before the day itself.
Understand the requirements
It is a good idea to do a little reading up on EPCs prior to your assessment - what the Energy Performance Certificate is, why it matters, and the EPC requirements - so that you understand what is being looked at and why.
There's no need to be an expert (that's what your assessor is for!) but if you have a good grasp of the basics, then you will feel better prepared when they arrive.
For example, it's worth noting that the EPC assessment is designed to be evidence-based, but is also fairly quick and non-invasive. This means it is based entirely on what the assessor can see or measure, or what supporting documentation you can produce.
Collate details of your property
There are some very basic details of your property that will be factored in to the assessment and therefore should be available when you need them. These are simple things like when the property was built, and if any extensions or conversions have been completed, when they were put in place. In some instances you may discuss this on the phone prior to the visit, but it's always a good idea to make sure that you have them to hand on the day.
Ensure access to every room
Before your assessor arrives, make sure that there is clear access to all areas of your property. For each room they will need to asses lighting, heating, insulation, and overall energy usage, including areas that may not be in general use, such as the loft, basement, heat pumps or boiler where heating efficiency is key.
Ensure that there are no obstructions and that any doors usually locked are unlocked, or that it is quick and easy to do so.
Locked or inaccessible areas could result in your assessor not being able to complete the assessment effectively which can mean a lower rating for your property.
Gather supporting documentation
Documentation is an important part of the assessment process, since it is your way to evidence anything the assessor cannot see or measure on their visit. Any energy-efficiency measures will need to be proven, so make sure to seek out any of your relevant documentation before the time comes.
This could include documents for things like:
Property extensions or loft conversions
Insulation, such as a cavity wall insulation guarantee or paperwork for insulated external walls
Renewable energy sources
Heating systems
FENSA certificates, if your windows were fitted by a registered fitter in the last 15 years
Finish any work
If you are having work completed to make your property more energy-efficient, make sure to get it completed before having your assessment, so that everything you are doing can be factored in properly. You will not be able to simply tell your energy assessor that a given measure will be completed in the future, no matter how soon - they will need to be able to evidence that it is in place already on the day of the assessment.
If you have booked an EPC assessment and work is still ongoing, it is worth moving the date to one that ensures everything is complete.
Ensure you know where everything is
It may sound obvious, but if you are a landlord and don't reside in the property being assessed, make sure that you know where everything is beforehand. This is particularly important for things like your energy meters, which will need to be accessible during the assessment - so not being sure where to find them will cause issues!
Make hidden energy features visible
Have a think about any elements that may be useful to factor in, but are hidden by room decor or furniture. For example, energy efficient lightbulbs which can contribute to your score may be covered in fixtures or under shades. It is helpful if these are removed prior, if they are not able to be quickly removed in the moment, so that the assessor can see them properly and factor them in.
Keep everything in good working condition
Over time, general areas of the property or specific measures that you have put in place may need a little maintenance to keep them in working order. Issues like broken windows or faulty heating can be detrimental to your energy efficiency score, so it's a good idea to do a walk round of your property to check for these beforehand, and be prepared to fix them quickly.
Likewise, if you have put any specific renewable energy installations in place - solar panels, for example - make sure that they are in good working order prior to the EPC assessment to ensure that they can be properly accounted for in your rating.
Get an EPC with Lease Planners
At Lease Planners, our energy assessors are fully accredited and are familiar for producing EPCs for a range of residential and commercial properties, including for landlords renting their properties out to tenants. We understand the importance of delivering a fast, efficient and friendly service and take pride in doing so every time.
If you need advice on the Energy Performance Certificate or would like to discuss one for your property, get in touch today.
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