This section attempts to give some hints and tips to the homeowner on how to prepare
for a visit from a Domestic Energy Assessor, what to expect and how to get the best value from the EPC.
The energy assessment takes anything
from 1 hour to over 3 hours to complete depending on the size and complexity of the property (for example a recently
completed 7+ bedroom house took 3.5 hours). The DEA will require access where applicable to
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the outside of the property
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all rooms
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loft spaces
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attached garages and outhouses
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cellars
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cupboards housing central heating systems,
hot water systems, central heating controls, electricity and gas meters.
It is important that a responsible adult is present
during the survey, preferably one with knowledge of the house. Please ensure
that any pets are suitably controlled for the duration of the survey.
You
will be sent a short, one page questionnaire to fill in before the visit. This will ensure that the inspection progresses
smoothly and that any issues are highlighted in advance.
The
questionnaire also lists documents that should be made available for inspection during the visit. Typically, these are
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Plans, letters, deeds or building regulation
certificates showing the age of the original property, any extensions, conservatories and/or loft conversions.
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Double glazing certificates –
FENSA or CERTASS.
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Cavity wall insulation / loft insulation
certificates.
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Replacement central heating boiler
– installation or commissioning certificate.
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Solar heating/solar panels – installation
or commissioning certificates.
Finally, there is one recommendation that comes up time and
again - it's simple and could improve the rating of your home - that is fitting low energy light bulbs to fixed fittings.
If once you have received your EPC you feel that you would
like to complete some of the recommendations to improve the rating of your home we offer a greatly reduced rate for a repeat EPC
if conducted within 6 months of the first.
