Arranging an Energy Performance Certificate is an important step when selling or renting a property, but property owners often wonder what they should do before the assessor arrives. Preparing for a domestic EPC assessment does not mean making expensive changes to the property beforehand. Instead, it is about making sure the property is accessible and that useful information about its energy-related features is available.

For homeowners and landlords across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Coventry, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Redditch and Dudley, a little preparation can help make the EPC appointment straightforward.

What Is an EPC Assessment?

An Energy Performance Certificate provides an energy efficiency rating from A to G and includes recommendations for improving the property’s energy performance. An EPC is generally required when a property is built, sold or rented, subject to applicable exemptions.

The certificate is produced using information gathered about the property. This means the assessor needs to be able to inspect relevant parts of the building and identify features that influence its energy performance.

Make Sure the Property Can Be Accessed

One of the simplest ways to prepare is to make sure the assessor can access the property and the areas that need to be inspected.

If possible, make sure rooms, heating equipment, windows, loft access points and other relevant areas can be reached safely. If there are locked rooms, cupboards or other areas containing relevant equipment, arrange access before the appointment.

For landlords, this may mean coordinating access with tenants or arranging the appointment when the property is vacant.

A clear and accessible property allows the assessment to be completed more efficiently and reduces the risk of an avoidable return visit.

Have Information About Previous Improvements Available

If you know when improvements were made to the property, it can be useful to have relevant information available.

This might include details about:

• Loft or wall insulation
• Double or triple glazing
• Boiler replacement
• Heating system upgrades
• Renewable energy systems
• Other significant energy-efficiency improvements

You should not assume that every document will be required, but having useful information available can help the assessor understand the property’s features where appropriate.

Check the Heating and Hot Water Systems

Before the assessment, make sure the assessor can access the main heating and hot-water equipment.

This could include the boiler, hot-water cylinder, heating controls and other relevant components.

If the property has unusual or recently installed heating equipment, having information about the system available may also be useful.

The purpose is not to prepare the heating system for a test or make temporary changes. The assessment should reflect the property’s actual features rather than a temporary setup.

Make Loft and Insulation Areas Accessible

Where the property has accessible loft or insulation areas that form part of the assessment, make sure the assessor can reach them safely.

If loft access is blocked by stored items, clearing enough space around the access point can make inspection easier.

The same principle applies to other parts of the property where information about insulation or construction may be relevant.

You do not need to remove every item from your property. The aim is simply to provide reasonable access to relevant areas.

Do You Need to Make Improvements Before an EPC?

No. You do not need to carry out energy-efficiency improvements simply to prepare for an EPC assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to establish the property’s energy performance based on its characteristics. The resulting certificate includes recommendations that may identify potential improvements.

If you are considering improvements before selling or letting your property, it may be sensible to understand the existing energy performance first. This gives you a clearer starting point for deciding which improvements, if any, are appropriate.

Landlords should also distinguish between general improvement advice and their legal obligations under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Domestic privately rented properties covered by the regulations generally need to meet the applicable minimum standard or have a valid exemption.

Check Whether You Already Have a Valid EPC

Before arranging a new assessment, check whether the property already has a valid EPC.

An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, although it can be replaced by a newer certificate before that period expires. A valid certificate can generally continue to be used during its validity period rather than requiring a new assessment every time the property is sold or rented.

Checking first can save time and avoid paying for an unnecessary assessment.

If there is no valid EPC, or the existing certificate has expired, you can then arrange a new assessment.

Preparing a Rental Property for an EPC

Landlords have a few additional considerations.

If tenants currently occupy the property, communicate the appointment clearly and arrange suitable access. If the property is empty, make sure the assessor can enter and access relevant areas.

It is also useful to check the existing EPC rating before putting the property on the market. If the property has an F or G rating and is covered by the domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, investigate the applicable requirements and whether any exemption may apply.

An exemption is not simply an informal decision by the landlord. Where an exemption applies, the relevant exemption must be registered before it can be relied upon.

Preparing a Property for Sale

Homeowners preparing to sell should check their EPC early in the selling process.

An EPC generally needs to be commissioned before the property is marketed for sale, unless an applicable exemption applies.

Checking the certificate before instructing an estate agent can help identify whether a valid EPC is already available.

If the certificate has expired, arranging the assessment before marketing can help prevent avoidable delays.

How Long Does an EPC Assessment Take?

The time required depends on the size, layout and characteristics of the property and the information that needs to be assessed.

The most useful preparation is therefore not trying to rush the inspection, but making sure the property is accessible and relevant information is available.

Your assessor can explain the expected appointment process when you arrange the assessment.

Arrange Your EPC in the West Midlands

If you need a domestic EPC in Birmingham or elsewhere across the West Midlands, EnergyCerts can help you arrange an assessment for your property.

EnergyCerts serves homeowners, landlords and property professionals across locations including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Coventry, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Redditch and Dudley.

Before booking, check whether your property already has a valid EPC. If you need a new certificate, requesting an EPC quote and arranging an assessment in advance can make the process easier when you are preparing to sell or rent.

An EPC is more than a compliance document. It gives property owners useful information about energy performance and potential improvements, while helping buyers and tenants understand the energy efficiency of a property.