What Is
an EPC Check?
An EPC check is the property assessment carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. The assessor visits the property, takes measurements plus photos plus enters data into government software which calculates the rating. The check itself takes 30 to 60 minutes.
An EPC check (formally a Domestic Energy Assessment) is the on-site property assessment that produces an EPC certificate. It is carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) who must be registered with Elmhurst Energy, Stroma Certification or Quidos. The check involves a 30 to 60 minute physical visit during which the assessor measures rooms, photographs the boiler plus controls, inspects loft insulation depth, notes glazing types plus records construction details. The assessor then enters all data into government-approved Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP) software which calculates the rating automatically. The completed EPC is lodged on the EPC Register at epcregister.com plus issued to the client within 24 to 72 hours. UK 2026 cost is £60 to £150 for a typical domestic property.
The figures that matter
Visit duration
Typical time the DEA spends physically on site for a UK home.
Required role
Domestic Energy Assessor accredited under an approved scheme.
Methodology
Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure used for existing UK homes.
Typical cost
UK 2026 cost for a domestic EPC check from an accredited assessor.
Four things to consider
Physical site visit required
Domestic EPC checks legally require a physical assessor visit. Remote or desk-based EPCs are not valid.
Standard data capture
Assessor follows a standard methodology rather than making subjective judgments about energy efficiency.
Software calculates rating
Government-approved RdSAP software calculates the rating automatically based on data captured during the check.
Issued within 72 hours
Most EPCs are lodged on the register plus issued to the client within 24 to 72 hours of the site visit.
What an EPC check actually does
The phrase EPC check refers to the property assessment carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. The check is the work that produces the EPC certificate. The certificate is the document. They are linked but distinct.
Why a check is needed. EPCs cannot be issued without a physical site assessment. The Energy Performance of Buildings (England plus Wales) Regulations 2012 require an accredited DEA to visit the property plus capture standard data. Remote or desk-based EPCs (sometimes offered cheaply online) are not legally valid plus do not appear on the EPC Register.
Who carries out the check. Only Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) accredited under government-approved schemes can carry out valid EPC checks. The three main UK accreditation schemes are:
- Elmhurst Energy.
- Stroma Certification.
- Quidos.
Each scheme maintains a public register of accredited assessors searchable by postcode. DEAs must complete formal training, pass examinations plus maintain ongoing continuing professional development to retain accreditation.
What the check captures:
- Property dimensions plus floor area for every habitable room.
- Heating system type, age, model plus controls.
- Hot water provision plus cylinder if separate.
- Loft insulation depth plus type.
- Cavity wall insulation if visible plus accessible.
- Window types, frames plus glazing.
- Lighting types plus low-energy fitting count.
- Construction type plus building age.
- Any extensions, alterations or renovations.
- Renewable energy systems (solar PV, heat pumps).
How the rating is calculated. After the site visit, the DEA enters all captured data into government-approved Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP) software for existing homes. New builds use the full SAP methodology. The software calculates the rating automatically based on standard assumptions plus the captured data. The DEA cannot subjectively decide the rating plus the software output determines the final EPC band plus SAP score.
What happens after the check. Within 24 to 72 hours of the site visit:
- EPC is lodged on the EPC Register at epcregister.com.
- PDF certificate is emailed to the client.
- EPC becomes publicly searchable on the register.
- 10-year validity period begins from the issue date.
How to prepare for an EPC check:
- Provide loft access. Loft insulation depth is a major scoring factor.
- Have boiler details to hand. Manufacturer, model plus installation date all help.
- Keep improvement certificates. Cavity wall insulation, double glazing plus solar panel certificates capture energy features properly.
- Be ready to discuss any extensions or alterations. Different sections may have different construction types.
- Make all habitable rooms accessible.
Common issues during EPC checks:
- No loft access. Standard low-insulation assumption applied. Lower rating.
- Boiler details unknown. Standard low-efficiency assumption applied. Lower rating.
- Hidden insulation not documented. Standard data-entry assumption used. Lower rating than reality.
- Renovations not declared. Older construction assumptions applied. Lower rating.
How an EPC check differs from other property surveys:
- EPC check focuses on energy performance only. Does not assess condition, structural integrity or compliance with other regulations.
- Building survey or homebuyer report covers condition. Carried out by a chartered surveyor plus produces a different report.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) covers electrical safety. Carried out by a qualified electrician.
- Gas Safety Certificate covers gas appliances. Carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Each is a separate assessment with its own purpose plus accreditation. An EPC check does not replace any of the others.
Real number ranges
EPC check cost by property type (UK 2026)
EPC check process timeline
Book accredited DEA
Search Elmhurst, Stroma or Quidos register by postcode. Get quotes. Book the visit.
Site visit
DEA spends 30 to 60 minutes capturing data. Measurements, photos plus inspection of heating plus insulation.
Data entry plus calculation
DEA enters data into RdSAP software. Software calculates rating automatically.
EPC issued
Certificate lodged on EPC Register at epcregister.com. PDF emailed to client. 10-year validity begins.
Four EPC check essentials
Use accredited DEAs only
Only DEAs accredited under Elmhurst, Stroma or Quidos can carry out valid EPC checks.
Physical visit required
Domestic EPCs require a physical site visit. Remote or desk-based EPCs are not legally valid.
Software calculates the rating
Government-approved RdSAP software produces the rating from captured data. The DEA cannot subjectively decide.
Standard 24 to 72 hour issue
Most EPCs are lodged on the register plus issued within this window after the site visit.
Compare the options
Valid EPC check
- ✓Accredited DEA registered with Elmhurst, Stroma or Quidos.
- ✓Physical site visit for 30 to 60 minutes.
- ✓Standard RdSAP methodology with software calculation.
- ✓Lodged on EPC Register at epcregister.com.
- ✓Valid for sale, let plus MEES compliance.
Invalid EPC check
- ✗Unaccredited individual. No scheme registration.
- ✗No site visit offered. Desk-based EPCs are not valid.
- ✗Custom or simplified calculation. Not RdSAP-compliant.
- ✗Not lodged on register. No public record.
- ✗Invalid for compliance. Trading Standards plus MEES enforcement applies.
Knowing what an EPC check involves helps you prepare plus get the best rating. Our full EPC Ratings hub covers Energy Performance Certificates plus MEES regulations across UK homes plus rental properties.
Visit the EPC Ratings Hub
This article is one chapter inside our complete EPC Ratings knowledge base. The hub covers Energy Performance Certificates plus MEES regulations across UK homes plus rental properties.
More on EPC ratings
Three further EPC process articles in the same hub group cover related questions. The first is what does an epc check involve for the detailed assessment process. The second covers how do i get an epc certificate for booking. The third is what is an epc for the basic terminology.