Preparing for your EPC

Think through access to the home

For an existing home, an assessor visits the property to gather information. They need access to the rooms and heating equipment, and to the loft where access is safe. The government’s guide to domestic EPC assessments explains the visit.

Know where the loft hatch is and make a note of anything that could make access difficult. Keep normal routes through the home clear. Leave climbing into difficult spaces, moving heavy objects or opening equipment to an appropriate professional; you can explain the situation when arranging the visit.

Gather documents you already hold

Useful records may include insulation paperwork, installation receipts and information about heating equipment. The assessor decides what evidence can be used; having a document does not guarantee a particular rating. This is also covered in the government guidance linked above.

Put relevant records together, with the property address and dates visible where available. A simple folder is enough. If work was carried out before you owned the home and you have no paperwork, say so. Avoid filling gaps with estimates that could be mistaken for confirmed details.

Make the practical arrangements clear

Before any visit is agreed, establish who will provide access and whether a tenant, agent or other keyholder needs to be involved. Note shared entrances, parking restrictions and any arrangements needed for pets. Keep door codes and other sensitive access information for a direct conversation with the person attending.

Write down the questions you want to ask, especially if an earlier certificate contains something you do not understand. Having them in one place makes them easier to discuss.

Keep preparation separate from booking

You can use this site’s quote preview to explore a service and save your own summary. It does not send an enquiry or arrange a visit. If a booking service is introduced, the scope, access arrangements and appointment would need to be confirmed before an assessment could go ahead.