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Survey day

One checklist: prep + documents

This page combines what to prepare for the site visit and any documents that can help with EPC evidence and audits.

You don’t need everything — most items are optional. If you have documents, photos on your phone are fine.

Quick prep (5 minutes)

What helps on the day

This keeps the visit quick and reduces follow‑ups.

Access

Make key areas easy to reach

  • Electric meter / cut‑out area (if needed)
  • Consumer unit (fuse board) if needed
  • Boiler / heat pump / cylinder cupboard (if applicable)
  • Loft hatch if accessible (if relevant)
Outside

A bit of outdoor access helps

  • Back garden / side access (routes and possible locations)
  • Clear path to any existing external units/meters
  • Roof view if solar is part of the job
Privacy

Photos are for planning

  • Not a sales visit — no pressure to buy anything
  • If something sensitive is in shot, tell us and we’ll reframe
  • We don’t publish identifiable photos without consent
Documents (EPC / audit)

RdSAP “minimum audit pack” evidence

For RdSAP (existing dwellings), audits check that your EPC inputs are supported by site evidence: photos, notes, and a sketch/plan with dimensions. The key rule of thumb: if you override a default, you need evidence.

Site notes

What we record (RdSAP)

  • Age band / construction notes (and what you observed)
  • Storeys, extensions, and any unusual layout notes
  • What’s measured vs assumed (and why)
Floor plan

Sketch + key dimensions

  • Sketch/plan with key dimensions used for areas
  • Notes for treated floor area boundaries and extensions
  • Any supporting plans if the homeowner has them (optional)
Photos

Always take these photos

  • Front/rear elevation (property type/context)
  • Heating system make/model/spec plate (boiler/heat pump)
  • Hot water cylinder + insulation (if present) / spec plate
  • Heating controls (thermostat/programmer, TRVs if present)
  • Loft hatch + loft insulation depth/type (if accessible)
  • Glazing (showing double/triple glazing where visible)
  • Renewables: PV inverter / battery / heat pump MCS docs if provided
RdSAP focus

Evidence needed when you override defaults

RdSAP uses conventions and default assumptions when evidence isn’t available. If you claim an improvement, it must be supported by documentation or clear on-site evidence.

Insulation

Proof beats assumptions

  • Loft insulation: depth photo + any invoice/certificate
  • Cavity wall insulation: guarantee/certificate (e.g. CIGA) or installer paperwork
  • Solid wall insulation (EWI/IWI): completion paperwork/specs
  • Floor insulation: documentation if not directly visible
Glazing

Dates/specs matter

  • FENSA/CERTASS certificates (or equivalent installer paperwork)
  • Photos showing glazing type where visible
  • Any U‑value specs if the homeowner has them
Systems

Make/model + controls

  • Boiler/heat pump make/model and commissioning/Benchmark if available
  • Controls evidence (programmer/thermostat, zoning, TRVs)
  • Solar/battery: MCS + DNO (G98/G99) if available, plus inverter/battery specs
Building regs / sign-offs

Completion certificates & approvals

  • Building Control completion certificates (extensions, conversions, major alterations)
  • Competent Person Scheme certificates (where applicable)
  • Any sign‑off paperwork related to insulation installs or upgrades
Windows / doors

Glazing certificates & specs

  • FENSA certificate
  • CERTASS certificate
  • Installer paperwork showing window type/spec (double/triple glazing, if known)
  • Any documentation showing U‑values (if you have it)
Insulation

Proof of insulation measures

  • Loft insulation invoice/certificate (depth/type if documented)
  • Cavity wall insulation certificate/guarantee (e.g. CIGA or installer paperwork)
  • External/Internal wall insulation documentation (EWI/IWI)
  • Floor insulation documentation (suspended/solid where applicable)
  • PAS2030 / TrustMark paperwork (if done via retrofit schemes)
Heating / hot water

System details & commissioning

  • Boiler/heat pump commissioning certificate (if you have it)
  • Benchmark booklet / service record (for boilers)
  • Heat pump documentation (make/model, installer paperwork)
  • Cylinder make/model/spec plate photo (hot water cylinder)
  • Heating controls paperwork (thermostat, zoning, programmers) if available
Solar / battery

Renewables certificates

  • MCS certificate for solar PV / battery / heat pump (if applicable)
  • DNO paperwork (G98/G99) if you have it
  • Inverter/battery make/model paperwork (or spec plate photos)
Existing EPC

Past EPC / reports

  • Latest EPC certificate/report (printout or on phone)
  • Any retrofit assessment or previous energy reports (if relevant)
  • Recent energy bills (optional): last ~12 months if easy to find (helps with context, not required for audit)
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