How to prepare for your Northampton EPC assessment

Make the important areas accessible

An assessment of an existing home involves a physical visit. The assessor needs access to the rooms, heating equipment and loft where safe access is possible. Clear a route to the boiler, controls and loft hatch before the appointment.

Tell Paul in advance if an area is locked, difficult to reach or unsafe. Do not climb into a loft or move heavy items to take risks on the assessor’s behalf.

• Arrange keys for locked rooms or relevant outbuildings.
• Leave heating controls and the boiler visible.
• Open blinds and curtains so windows can be inspected.

Gather the paperwork you already have

Useful evidence can include insulation records, glazing certificates, heating manuals and information about an extension. Features such as hidden insulation may be difficult to confirm by sight alone. Supporting information helps the assessor decide what can be recorded.

• Keep installation certificates and invoices together.
• Have available details of the boiler and hot-water system.
• Include documents showing when extensions or improvements were completed.

Be clear about what the visit can establish

The purpose is to record the home’s energy-related features accurately, rather than to promise a particular rating. Where a feature cannot be inspected or supported by suitable evidence, the assessment may need to use the methodology’s assumptions.

If you cannot find a document, simply say so. A short list of what you know, what you have evidence for and what remains uncertain is more useful than guessing.

Keep the appointment straightforward

Set aside any questions about the process before Paul arrives. If you are selling or letting, keep your agent’s contact details and your preferred certificate delivery details handy. This helps you pass the finished certificate to the right person afterwards.

You can book directly on the Northampton EPC website or call 01604 911 007 to discuss access before choosing a time.