Essential Steps for Preparing Your Property for an EPC Assessment
A practical checklist to help you prepare for an EPC assessment, maximise your rating, and ensure the assessor can access everything they need.
By First Certify · 2025-08-12 · 5 min read
First Certify is a UK property compliance platform staffed by accredited assessors and qualified engineers. This article has been reviewed for accuracy against current UK regulations, including MEES, the Electrical Safety Standards 2020, and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Preparing for an EPC assessment is simple, but a few steps can help ensure you get the best possible rating. The assessor can only record what they see on the day, so making sure everything is accessible and in good order is key.
1. Ensure access to the loft. The assessor needs to check loft insulation depth and condition. Make sure the loft hatch is accessible and not blocked by stored items. If the loft has boarding, the assessor will need to lift a section to measure insulation depth, so ensure this is possible.
2. Make sure the boiler is accessible. The assessor needs to read the data plate on the boiler, which is usually on the underside or inside the front cover. Clear any items stored around the boiler so the assessor can access it easily.
3. Install low-energy bulbs in all fixed fittings. The assessor counts the proportion of fixed light fittings with low-energy bulbs. Replace any halogen or incandescent bulbs with LED equivalents before the assessment. If fittings have no bulbs, the assessor assumes standard bulbs, which lowers your score.
4. Have documentation ready. If you have had insulation, a new boiler, or double glazing installed since your last EPC, have the installation certificates or invoices available. The assessor can use this as evidence of improvements that may not be visually obvious.
5. Ensure access to all rooms. The assessor needs to enter every main room to count light fittings, check windows, and inspect heating. Make sure all rooms are unlocked and accessible, including any extensions or converted lofts.
6. Check the heating controls. The assessor will look at the thermostat, programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves. Make sure these are visible and working. If you have smart heating controls, point them out to the assessor.
7. Do not worry about tidiness. The assessor does not assess cleanliness or decoration. You do not need to deep clean or decorate before the assessment. The focus is purely on the propertys energy efficiency features.
FAQs
Do I need to clean my house before an EPC assessment?
No. The assessor does not assess cleanliness or decoration. You only need to ensure they can access the loft, boiler, heating controls, and all main rooms.
Should I replace bulbs before the assessment?
Yes. Replace any halogen or incandescent bulbs in fixed fittings with LED equivalents. If fixed fittings have no bulbs, the assessor assumes standard bulbs, which lowers your score.
Can I show the assessor installation certificates for improvements?
Yes. If you have had insulation, a new boiler, or glazing installed, having the certificates or invoices available helps the assessor evidence improvements that may not be visually obvious.