Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will the survey take?
A. We will normally be on site for approximately one hour. The calculations are completed at our office and the Certificate will be produced within 24 hours. If you can fill in and return our Pre-inspection Questionnaire (on our Links & Downloads page) before we undertake the survey, it will make the process faster and more efficient.

Q. Will I need to be at home when the surveyor arrives?
A. Yes it would be preferable if you are at home as we will need to ask a few simple questions. We will also need access to all areas of your home, including the main heating boiler and loft area (if practicably possible). We will also expect to be able to take photographs as evidence of the data we will be collecting.

Q. What is included in an Energy Performance Certificate?
A. The Certificate will look broadly similar to a certificate on a refrigerator. Its purpose is to record in a clear, unambiguous format how energy efficient the home is as a building. Using colour charts, the EPC records the current rating and compares this with the potential rating at which the owner should aim.

Q ) Who can produce an Energy Certificate?.
A) The Energy Performance Certificate can only be completed by a qualified and licensed Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector.

Q) Does an Energy Performance Certificate need to be completed before a property is put on the market?
A) Yes, the Certificate must be attached to the property details, as supplied to potential buyers by the estate agent. Also proof must be provided that the legal documents and searches have been ordered by your pack provider.

Q ) Who needs an Energy Certificate?.
A) Since December 2007 the Certificate has been a requirement for all residential properties that are put up for sale and, from October 2008, it is also a requirement for rented properties.

Q) Who has access and permission to view the Energy Performance Certificate?
A) Permission to view the contents of an Energy Performance Certificate by estate agents or prospective buyers must be given by the owner of the pack.

Q) What do I have to do if I want to order an EPC and how much will it cost?
A) Contact us and we will explain the process to you in more detail. Prices vary depending upon the size and nature of your property and whether we are dealing with a single property or multiple instructions. However, as a guideline, you can probably expect to pay somewhere between £60 and £100 for a completed EPC, including the cost of having it lodged on the official register.

Q) Are there any other ‘hidden’ costs?
A) No, our prices are always fully inclusive and we do not charge VAT.

Q) What about the other components of a Home Information Pack?
A) Although we are specialist providers of Energy Certificates, we can easily provide a one-stop service and arrange your complete HIP. The cost of a full HIP is normally under £250.

Telephone 01803 762760 Mobile 07713 149920 Email: energy@ghpd.org.uk