Fixington

EPC Certificate

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). In the UK, EPCs are required whenever you build, sell, or rent out a home. They help buyers and tenants understand the likely energy costs and environmental impact by showing how efficient the property is and suggesting improvements.

Although an EPC is not directly an electrician’s job, electricians often play a key role because part of the assessment involves inspecting the electrical systems, especially lighting and heating controls. The EPC may recommend electrical improvements, such as fitting low-energy lighting or updating heating controls, which electricians can complete.

🔧 What the job involves

An EPC assessment involves a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) visiting your home to inspect:

  • Heating systems and insulation quality
  • Windows and doors
  • Lighting types (e.g. LED vs. incandescent)
  • Hot water systems
  • General energy use patterns

As part of the inspection, the assessor will check your lighting and electrical heating controls. If any electrical upgrades are suggested, such as installing energy-saving lightbulbs or adding smart thermostats, an electrician might be needed to carry out the work.

Once the survey is complete, the assessor uploads the data to the official EPC register and issues the certificate. This document is valid for 10 years.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Enquiry
    Contact a certified Domestic Energy Assessor to confirm availability and get a quote. Ensure they are accredited by an approved scheme (e.g. Elmhurst, Stroma).

  2. Survey appointment
    The assessor visits your property to inspect key areas. You’ll need to give them access to all rooms, including lofts and basements where applicable.

  3. Energy assessment
    The assessor records details about insulation, heating, ventilation, lighting, and windows. They may ask about recent upgrades or replacement boilers and lighting.

  4. Report creation
    The assessor submits the data to the EPC central register which generates your certificate with an energy rating and recommended improvements.

  5. Certificate delivery
    You receive a copy of the EPC either digitally or by post. You must provide this certificate to buyers or tenants if selling or renting.

  6. Electrical upgrades (optional)
    If recommended energy efficiency improvements require electrical work (e.g. new lighting, smart controls), get an electrician to provide a quote and complete the work.

  7. Keep records
    Store your EPC safely. Future buyers or tenants will request this, and it’s a legal requirement to provide.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • EPC assessment fee:
    Usually between £60 and £120 depending on property size and location.

  • Labour for electrical upgrades (if needed):
    Around £35–£65 per hour for a qualified electrician.

  • Materials/parts:
    Cost of bulbs, lighting fittings, controls, etc., often £10–£200 depending on works.

  • Extras:
    If remedial works are needed (e.g. rewiring lighting circuits) this adds to labour and parts.

  • Disposal:
    Minimal, unless you’re removing large unwanted fixtures.

  • Certification:
    The initial EPC includes certification, but separate electrical work may result in additional certificates, such as Part P compliance for electrical installations.

Example:
EPC assessment = £90
LED bulbs for whole house = £50
Electrician labour (2 hours) = £100
Total = £240 (estimate)

📊 What affects the price

  • Property size (larger homes take longer to survey)
  • Complexity of heating and lighting systems
  • Accessibility of areas needing inspection
  • Whether you need electrical upgrades following the EPC report
  • Local labour rates (London and SE often cost more)
  • Survey urgency (short notice requests may increase cost)
  • Requirement for additional certifications on electrical work (Part P compliance)
  • Condition of property (poor condition can complicate inspection or upgrades)

⏱ How long does it take?

  • EPC survey:
    Typically 30–90 minutes depending on size and complexity of the property.

  • Electrical improvements (if needed):
    Simple swaps like changing bulbs or controls might take 1–2 hours.
    More complex installs (e.g., rewiring, fitting smart heating controls) can take several hours or more.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

You cannot do an EPC assessment yourself unless you are a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. This qualification requires training and accreditation.

As for the electrical upgrades recommended by the EPC:

  • Changing standard bulbs to LED bulbs is safe to do yourself.
  • Installing or modifying wiring, lighting circuits, smart thermostats, or heating controls must be done by a qualified electrician, registered under Part P of the Building Regulations. This ensures legal compliance and safety.

Attempting electrical work without the proper skills or certification can put your safety at risk and affect insurance or future property sales.

💰 Typical UK price range

  • EPC Certificate: £60 to £120 (including VAT) for a typical property.
  • Electrical upgrades: £50 to several hundred pounds, depending on scope.

These are rough estimates. Prices vary by region, property size, and the specifics of any recommended electrical improvements.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Find a certified Domestic Energy Assessor through recognised accreditation bodies, such as Elmhurst or Stroma.
  • Prepare access to all rooms, loft spaces, and heating controls for the assessor.
  • Ask for a clear written quote before the survey.
  • Keep your EPC document safely — you’ll need it when selling or renting.
  • If electrical improvements are recommended, get several quotes from qualified electricians who provide Part P certification.
  • Always keep receipts and certificates of any work done for future reference and warranty purposes.
  • Consider energy-saving improvements proactively, even if not currently required by the EPC, to reduce bills and carbon footprint.

An EPC is a straightforward but important step in understanding your home’s energy efficiency and should always be handled by the right professionals. If electrical works are involved, ensure they are completed safely and legally by a qualified electrician.