Energy Performance Certificate - EPC in Widnes, Cheshire (5)

Homeowners and landlords need to hire an accredited domestic energy assessor in order to receive a valid EPC.

An energy performance certificate is needed if you plan on doing any of the following:

• Renting a property

• Selling a property

• Building a new property

• Making specific changes to your property - extending fixed heating, adding mechanical ventilation systems etc

The following properties are exempt from needing an EPC assessment:

• Listed buildings if modifications would significantly alter the property

• Temporary buildings being used for a maximum of 2 years

• Buildings used as a place of worship

• Industrial sites - agricultural buildings and workshops, for example

• Detached building with a maximum floor space of 50 m2

• Buildings due to be demolished

  Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years.

To get an EPC for your property you will need to hire a qualified EPC (or Domestic Energy) assessor. Accredited assessors can be found via the Government website.

Alternatively, search the Checkatrade directory to find accredited energy performance certificate assessors in Widnes. All of our members are rigorously checked and work to our high quality standards.

We always recommend approaching multiple tradespeople for quotes to find the best price for your budget.

If you are selling your house, your estate agent may be able to arrange an EPC assessment for you.

The average cost of an EPC assessment is £65 - £120.

The following factors will determine how much you need to pay for an EPC:

• The size of your property

• Number of bedrooms

• Your location - fees vary for different areas

  An update to regulations in 2018 means that all rented properties must have an energy rating of E or above.

  The average cost to bring a property up to grade E is £3,500. Landlords will be charged a fine of £4,000 if they fail to meet this energy standard.

Failing to arrange an EPC assessment when needed can lead to a fine of £200.

Read our EPC cost guide for a more in depth look at current prices.

We recommend approaching at least 3 EPC assessors in Widnes for quotes. You will find the best local price by shopping around first.

An EPC is a legal document that can only be provided by an accredited assessor. You will not be able to do your own EPC, unless you are accredited with a Government recognised organisation.

If you need an EPC, we recommend searching Checkatrade to find accredited energy performance certificate assessors in Widnes.

Electricians are not qualified to perform an EPC assessment.

Homeowners and landlords can only get an energy performance certificate from an accredited domestic energy assessor.

It is not uncommon for homeowners to confuse an EPC for an EICR. A qualified electrician can carry out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) but not an EPC.

An EICR details the condition of your home’s electrical installations, whereas an EPC assesses a property’s energy efficiency.

Finding an energy performance certificate assessor in Widnes is easier than you may think. Simply follow our expert hiring advice to find a qualified and reputable EPC assessor near you:

• Do you know someone who recently needed an EPC for their property? If so, ask them for the details of the assessor they used. Getting recommendations is an effective way to find trustworthy local tradespeople

• Do your research. Spend time reading customer reviews and checking online ratings

• Ask questions. Make sure the assessor is qualified to carry out an EPC assessment

• Get quotes from 2 - 3 local EPC assessors to find the best price

• Search Checkatrade. You will only find checked, vetted and guaranteed (T&Cs apply) EPC assessors in our online directory

  Use our search tool to discover tradespeople providing Energy Performance Certificates in Widnes. Alternatively, fill out our Post a Job form and local assessors will contact you directly.

Only EPC assessors who pass our thorough quality checks receive the Checkatrade stamp of approval.