How to prepare your home for the EPC inspection

An EPC inspection takes on average 1 to 2 hours, but those who prepare well often end up with a better label. The reason is simple: the energy expert works according to the burden-of-proof principle. Whatever cannot be proven is assessed unfavourably. In this article we explain how to avoid that.

Why preparation pays off

If you cannot demonstrate that your walls or roof are insulated, the certification software assumes the least favourable situation: little or no insulation. With the right supporting documents, the expert can enter the actual condition, which can noticeably improve your score.

Which documents should you gather?

Prepare all relevant supporting documents in advance. Think of:

• Invoices and technical sheets of insulation work (walls, roof, floor)
• The EPB declaration of your home (if available)
• Invoices for the heating boiler, windows and solar panels
• Inspection reports (for example the AREI report for solar panels)
• Building plans or a floor plan of the home

Provide access

The energy expert must be able to inspect the relevant parts of the home. Make sure the following spaces are easily accessible:

• The attic or the roof (to assess the insulation)
• The boiler room and the heating boiler
• The cellar and the meter cupboard

Common mistakes

The biggest pitfall is the absence of supporting evidence. A verbal statement that the walls are insulated is not enough: the expert needs an invoice, photo or technical sheet. Inaccessible spaces or a bricked-up crawl space can also lead to an unfavourable assessment.

Checklist

• Supporting documents for insulation and installations gathered
• Attic, cellar and boiler room accessible
• Meter cupboard and inverter reachable
• Building plans or floor plan ready

You will find more practical guidance on our preparation page.