The Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will need to inspect your property and collect information. This will include external or internal measurements, details about the construction and the type of room and hot water heating used in your property. They will also need access to all rooms, the boiler and the loft. They will draw a sketch plan and make notes of the type(s) of heating appliances and any energy saving methods used in the property.
It will be necessary to photograph some aspects of the property and also the heating appliances for the EPC report.
An inspection of the loft space (if accessible) is required to measure the quantity of insulation. There is no need to move or remove any items stored in the loft. The DEA will use their own ladders where it is possible to do so.
It might be necessary to open windows and doors to determine wall thicknesses.
The DEA will need to know about how your property has been built. Finding supporting information before the DEA visits will ensure you get the most accurate rating for your property. The DEA will want to know:
when the property was built (searches or deeds will help);
whether or not your property has been extended and when;
if it has been double glazed (guarantee certificates will help);
whether walls have been insulated and type of insulation;
when boilers were installed (instruction manuals will help);
location of any room thermostats and heating timers;
location of any gas and electricity meters; and
the type of heating fuel used.
You can further help by making sure there is access to the electric and gas meter cupboards; to the boiler or heating system; to any heating timers, hot water cylinders, thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves.
If the property will not be occupied, please give clear instructions on where key can be obtained.
For the average three bedroom property, the inspection will take approximately 1 hour. A larger property or one of an unusual complexity could take much longer.
The DEA will try to minimise any disruption but if you have not prepared for the survey, as explained in the previous section, the survey could take longer than 1 hour.
After the survey, the DEA will enter the information gathered into an authorised software programme which will produce your EPC and recommendations report.
Information collected about your property is protected from disclosure without your permission.
If you will not be present for the survey, please bear in mind that it cannot take place if there are unsupervised juveniles under the age of 16 in the property.
A missed appointments or return visits will incur an additional fee.
A DEA is a qualified professional. They are insured, accredited, licensed and bound by Codes of Conduct under a Government recognised accreditation scheme.
If you are concerned about any aspect of the energy survey or the quality or accuracy of the EPC you should first discuss with the DEA. If, after this, you are still concerned ask the DEA for details of the comprehensive complaints procedure or contact NHER.
The Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will need to inspect your property and collect information. This will include external or internal measurements, details about the construction and the type of room and hot water heating used in your property. They will also need access to all rooms, the boiler and the loft. They will draw a sketch plan and make notes of the type(s) of heating appliances and any energy saving methods used in the property. 
