Question 1

What is an EPC?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G. It's legally required when a property is built, sold or rented.

Question 2

How much does an EPC cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing starts at £55 for a 1-bedroom property in Wolverhampton. Each additional bedroom adds £5. Travel is free within 15 miles of Wolverhampton; beyond that, a round-trip travel charge of 65p per mile applies, rounded to the nearest £5 so you always see a clean figure. Long-distance or multi-property bookings are quoted individually.

Question 3

How long does an EPC assessment take?

Accepted Answer

Most EPC assessments take 45–60 minutes on-site depending on property size and complexity. Larger or unusual properties can take longer.

Question 4

How quickly will I receive my certificate?

Accepted Answer

Typical turnaround is 24–48 hours after the visit. Same-day availability is sometimes possible at no additional charge.

Question 5

How long is an EPC valid for?

Accepted Answer

Ten years from the date it is lodged on the national EPC register. You can reuse a valid certificate to sell or re-let without commissioning a new one.

Question 6

Do I need a new EPC if I have made improvements?

Accepted Answer

Not legally, while the old one is still valid — but a new assessment is the only way to have a better rating reflected on the register, which matters for marketing and for MEES compliance.

Question 7

Can I sell my house without an EPC?

Accepted Answer

No. In England and Wales an EPC must be commissioned before marketing begins and made available to buyers within seven days. A handful of buildings are exempt, including some listed buildings and structures under 50 square metres.

Question 8

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?

Accepted Answer

Privately rented homes in England and Wales must be band E or better under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Question 9

What happens if my property is rated F or G?

Accepted Answer

It cannot legally be let without a registered exemption. The recommendations report issued with the certificate ranks the improvements that would lift the rating, usually insulation, heating controls or a boiler upgrade.

Question 10

Do I need to be home for the assessment?

Accepted Answer

Someone over 18 needs to be present, OR access can be arranged via an agent, landlord, property manager or key safe for vacant properties. For safeguarding reasons I cannot carry out an EPC if only people under 18 are present.

Question 11

Can vacant properties be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — as long as safe access is arranged (agent, landlord, property manager, key safe). No one needs to be present.

Question 12

How should I prepare for the visit?

Accepted Answer

Provide access to the loft hatch, boiler, meter and any extensions or outbuildings, and have documentation for insulation, windows or heating upgrades ready if you have it. Evidence can improve your rating.

Question 13

Will you need to go in the loft?

Accepted Answer

I need to see inside the loft to record insulation depth, but I do not need to enter it — a look from the hatch is normally enough. Without access, insulation must be recorded as an assumed default, which usually lowers the score.

Question 14

Do you need to move furniture or take photos?

Accepted Answer

No furniture moving is required. Photographic evidence of key elements is taken as part of the accreditation scheme's audit requirements and is not shared publicly.

Question 15

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Wolverhampton and regularly cover Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Birmingham, Telford, Cannock, Stafford, Stourbridge, West Bromwich, Smethwick and Oldbury, plus the wider West Midlands and Staffordshire. I am happy to travel further across England and Wales for larger bookings, portfolios or rural properties — contact me directly for a bespoke quote.

Question 16

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

No payment is required when booking. Payment is due after the EPC has been completed. Accepted methods: cash or bank transfer, with a digital invoice provided.

Question 17

Can you assess multiple properties in one booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The booking form accepts a portfolio of properties in a single submission, which is how most estate agents, letting agents and landlords book.

Question 18

Are you accredited and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and qualified Retrofit Assessor, accredited with Elmhurst and Quidos, with public liability and professional indemnity insurance in place.

Question 19

Do you work weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Weekend appointments are available by prior arrangement for urgent requests and may incur a weekend surcharge. Standard appointments run Monday to Friday; weekend slots are +£20, or +£40 for urgent same-day weekend visits, and any additional charge is confirmed before the appointment is booked.

Question 20

Do estate agents pay weekend surcharges?

Accepted Answer

Regular trade clients may receive priority booking and waived weekend surcharges depending on their service agreement. Get in touch to discuss a tailored trade account.

Question 21

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

No upfront payment is required. Payment is due once the EPC has been completed and issued, by cash or bank transfer with a digital invoice. Trade accounts can be invoiced monthly.

Question 22

How is the EPC rating calculated?

Accepted Answer

Using the government's standard RdSAP methodology. It scores the building fabric, heating, hot water, lighting and controls based on measured dimensions and observed construction — not on how much energy the current occupants happen to use.

Question 23

Why did my property score lower than expected?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly because insulation could not be verified, because heating is electric rather than gas, or because the walls are solid. RdSAP applies conservative assumed values where evidence is unavailable, so documentation genuinely helps.

Question 24

Is the EPC lodged on the national register?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every certificate is lodged on the government EPC register, where buyers, tenants, agents and solicitors can retrieve it free of charge using the property address.

Question 25

Can I cancel or rearrange my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bookings need at least 24 hours' notice to arrange, and rearranging is free — just call or email as early as you can so the slot can be re-offered.

Frequently asked questions