What an EPC Assessor Does During a Home Visit

Your Guide to the EPC Assessment Process

If you’re booking an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), you might be wondering what actually happens during the assessment.
At EPC Wearside, we believe in keeping things simple and transparent — so here’s exactly what to expect when our assessor visits your home.

Our EPC assessments are non-intrusive, quick, and professional — usually completed within 30 to 45 minutes for most residential properties.

What an EPC Assessor Is

An EPC assessor, officially called a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA), is a qualified professional accredited by a government-approved certification body.
Their job is to inspect your property, gather data about its construction and energy systems, and use that information to calculate your Energy Efficiency Rating (A–G).

All EPCs must be completed by a licensed assessor to be valid and listed on the official UK EPC Register.
At EPC Wearside, our assessor — John Paul Hood — is fully qualified and accredited to carry out these inspections across the Wearside area.

What Happens During the Assessment

The visit involves a detailed visual inspection of your home. No drilling, no disruption — just careful observation and measurements.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what we do:

1. Verify Property Details

The assessor begins by confirming your property’s address and type (e.g. detached, semi-detached, flat).
They’ll also take note of the year it was built, number of floors, and overall layout.
This information helps determine construction standards relevant to your home’s age.

2. Measure the Building and Rooms

Next, the assessor measures the dimensions of your property using a laser or tape measure.
This includes the main living areas and extensions, to calculate the total floor area and volume — which affect energy performance calculations.

✅ Tip: You don’t need to move furniture or clear space; the assessor only needs access to each main room.

3. Inspect Walls, Roof, and Floors

The assessor looks at your property’s construction materials and insulation:

  • Walls – whether they are solid, cavity, or timber-framed
  • Roof – whether it’s pitched or flat, and if there’s visible insulation in the loft
  • Floors – checking for insulation, particularly in suspended floors

If insulation is not visible, the assessor may ask brief questions (e.g., if work has been done) but won’t lift carpets or floorboards.

4. Check Windows and Glazing

Windows are checked to see if they are single, double, or triple-glazed.
The assessor also looks for draught-proofing and frame type (wood, uPVC, metal), which all contribute to the energy score.

5. Assess Heating Systems

Heating is one of the biggest factors in your EPC rating.
The assessor records details of your boiler or heating system, including:

  • Boiler type (combi, system, or conventional)
  • Fuel type (gas, oil, electric, etc.)
  • Boiler make and model (if visible)
  • Heating controls (thermostats, timers, TRVs, smart controls)

They’ll also note how your home is heated — such as central heating, electric storage heaters, or underfloor systems.

6. Inspect Hot Water Systems

If your home has a hot water cylinder, the assessor checks its size, insulation, and location.
For combi boilers, this step is quicker since hot water is generated on demand.

7. Review Lighting Efficiency

The assessor will check a sample of light fittings to see how many use energy-efficient bulbs (LEDs or CFLs).
Replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs before your assessment can improve your score slightly.

8. Look at Secondary Heating Sources

If you have additional heating — such as an electric fire, wood stove, or gas fire — the assessor notes it.
This helps calculate how efficiently your home can stay warm when the main heating isn’t in use.

9. Evaluate Renewable Technologies

If your home has solar panels, heat pumps, or solar water heating, these systems are inspected and recorded.
They can significantly boost your EPC rating and reduce your property’s carbon footprint.

10. Take Photos for Evidence

The assessor takes a small number of photographs — only of building features, not personal items — to provide evidence for the EPC record.
These may include:

  • Boiler and thermostat
  • Loft insulation
  • Windows and glazing
  • Energy meters
  • Exterior shots of the property

These images are used purely for verification purposes and stored securely in line with data protection rules.

11. Data Entry and Calculation

After the visit, the assessor enters all the gathered data into government-approved software.
This calculates your property’s energy efficiency score and environmental impact rating, based on national benchmarks.

12. Issuing the Certificate

Once complete, your official EPC is:

  • Uploaded to the UK EPC Register
  • Emailed directly to you (usually within 24 hours)
  • Valid for 10 years

Your EPC will include your rating, estimated energy costs, and recommendations for improving efficiency.

How to Prepare for Your EPC Assessment

You don’t need to do much before your appointment, but to make the visit smoother:

  • Ensure access to all rooms and the loft (if safe and easy).
  • Have your boiler and hot water tank visible (not blocked or boxed in).
  • If you have paperwork for insulation, glazing, or heating upgrades, have it ready — it can help verify hidden improvements.

✅ Tip: Small preparations can save time and make sure your EPC accurately reflects your home’s efficiency.

Professional, Fast, and Fixed Price

At EPC Wearside, we make the process simple:

  • Fixed price — £59.99
  • Fast turnaround — usually within 24 hours
  • Friendly, local service across Sunderland, Washington, Seaham, and surrounding areas

We’re fully qualified, accredited, and committed to delivering reliable, compliant EPCs every time.

Book Your EPC Assessment Today

📧 Email: johnpaulhood2015@gmail.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 0751 813 5361

EPC Wearside — Certified Efficiency, Fixed at £59.99.