Services

The DEA will assess the services within the property looking at the heating systems and what fuel is used. Further assessment will be made in relation to whether the property has an immersion heater or any secondary form of heating. Boiler efficiency is calculated utilising a standard Government approved programme and the DEA will assess the amount of windows Double Glazed or otherwise within the property. The DEA will also assess the energy saving aspects of the property including low energy light bulbs, radiator thermostats and automatic programmable heating. The DEA will go into the Loft of the property and assess the insulation if any within the roof space.

Internal Condition

The DEA will then take measurements either internally or externally of the property. This is important to determine the exact area of the property and also which of the walls are "heat losing walls". For example, in a terraced property, the only heat losing walls if it is a mid-terrace are the front and back. In a detached property, all walls will be heat losing as the property is not attached on any side. Heat room is measured for height, width and length and these items are processed through the SAP computer programme.

What is inspected by the DEA?

The DEA will look at the property from different angles from the outside. He will be able to assess the construction and estimate the approximate year of build. This is important as it will affect the SAP rating (the SAP rating is the standard measured rating utilised in all EPC's). The DEA will take various photographs of the outside structure and confirm whether the property is Attached, Detached, a Bungalow etc. He will make a note of the external conditions and note the wall structure and whether or not the wall is solid cavity etc.