EPC guide 07
Getting an EPC: cost, booking and what to expect
Arranging a new Energy Performance Certificate is more straightforward than many people expect. This guide explains who carries out the assessment, how to book one, roughly what it costs and what actually happens when the assessor visits, so there are no surprises on the day.
Who produces the certificate
A domestic EPC must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. They work to an approved methodology and are members of a government-recognised accreditation scheme, which sets standards for their training, conduct and quality checks. You cannot lawfully self-assess a home and issue your own certificate.
The assessor uses a standard method called RdSAP – the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure – for existing dwellings. New builds are assessed with full SAP at the design and completion stages instead. RdSAP is deliberately standardised so that two similar homes are rated on a like-for-like basis rather than on an assessor’s personal judgement.
Finding an assessor and booking
The simplest route is the government’s official service, which lets you find an accredited assessor in your area and confirm they are properly registered. Many estate agents, letting agents and independent firms can also arrange one, but it is worth checking the assessor’s accreditation yourself rather than assuming it.
When you book, you will usually agree a date, a price and roughly how long the visit will take. Give the assessor accurate details about the property type and size so their quote is realistic, and make sure someone can provide access to every room, the loft hatch and the meters on the day.
What affects the cost
- Typical fees sit in a modest range – commonly around £60 to £120 – but this varies and is not a fixed price.
- Larger properties and homes with more rooms usually take longer to survey.
- Location and local demand influence what assessors charge.
- Turnaround time matters – a faster certificate can cost more.
- Always confirm the total price and what it includes before booking.
What happens during the visit
A domestic assessment is a non-invasive survey and typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the home. The assessor moves through each room recording evidence: the construction of the walls, insulation where it can be seen, the heating system and controls, how hot water is produced, the type of glazing and the details on the gas and electricity meters.
Because RdSAP works from a defined set of data, the assessor records what they can observe and applies standard assumptions where direct evidence is not available – for example, assuming a typical construction for a home of a given age when a wall cannot be inspected. Those default assumptions are cautious by design, which is why supporting paperwork can make a genuine difference to the result.
Documents that improve accuracy
If a home has been improved but there is no visible evidence, the assessment may fall back on conservative assumptions that understate its efficiency. Gathering paperwork before the visit can help. Useful records include cavity or loft insulation certificates, the make and model of the boiler, window energy certificates and any documentation for a heat pump, solar panels or a hot-water cylinder.
Hand these to the assessor so they can capture the real specification rather than a default. It will not guarantee a higher band, but it does mean the certificate reflects the work that has actually been done. Our guide to improving your EPC rating explains which measures tend to have the most influence.
How the certificate is issued
After the visit the assessor enters the data, runs the calculation and lodges the finished certificate on the national EPC register. Once lodged it becomes part of the public record and can be looked up by its address or report reference. You should receive your own copy, and the property will then have a current, retrievable certificate.
A domestic EPC is normally valid for ten years, or until a newer one is produced for the same building. There is no need to renew it every year, but a fresh assessment can be worthwhile after significant improvements so the public record keeps pace with the home.
Not the same as a building survey
It is important to understand what an EPC is not. It is an energy rating, not a condition report. The assessor is not inspecting for damp, structural movement, roof defects or the state of the wiring, and the certificate carries no guarantee about future energy bills. If you are buying, a separate building survey by a qualified surveyor covers those questions.
Once you have the certificate, our guide to reading an EPC explains how to interpret the headline band alongside the underlying features and assumptions. EPC Checker is a research aid that surfaces public data; it is not an assessment, survey, or professional advice.