The Certifier’s Visit
Documentation
To ensure the most accurate possible assessment of your property’s energy performance, it is important to gather as many documents as possible proving its technical characteristics. Indeed, certain characteristics such as the efficiency of a boiler, the type and thickness of insulation, or the performance of window frames cannot always be determined through visual inspection alone.
The most common documents are the following:
General Information
Used to identify the property and determine the year of construction:
- Official deed of sale
- Cadastral extract / cadastral income notice / property tax notice
- Building permit
- Co-ownership: deed of co-ownership; statement of charges / call for funds
Technical Information
- Property drawings
- Construction specifications
- Technical documentation for materials (insulation, windows, doors, etc.) or equipment (boilers, hot water tanks, etc.)
- Quotes and invoices for insulation works or installation of new equipment
- Proof of approval for energy renovation grants
- Co-ownership: General Assembly minutes mentioning energy improvement works
- Recent buildings (since 2008): EPC declaration or interim report related to the initial EPC certification
- Solar panels / cogeneration: certificate of conformity / proof of green certificate allocation
- Boiler: periodic EPC inspection certificate
- Construction or renovation site photos
- Other: thermographic audit reports, energy audit reports, airtightness tests, destructive testing reports
The Brussels Environment information sheet La visite du certificateur provides more detailed information on the relevant documents.
Access
It is also important that the boiler(s) be accessible on the day of the visit. In a co-owned building, access may sometimes need to be arranged through the building manager.
All rooms in the property must also be accessible. In particular, windows, radiators, and technical equipment must be reachable.
Duration of the Visit
During the visit, it is preferable to allow enough time to review the documentation and carry out all necessary measurements to ensure the most accurate possible evaluation of your property’s energy performance.
Depending on the type of property, it is not unusual for a visit to take up to two hours.
Issuance of Your EPC Certificate
Once the visit is completed, the EPC score for your certificate is calculated as quickly as possible.
Invoicing
Invoicing always takes place once the draft EPC certificate has been completed and reviewed by both the certifier and the owner to ensure that all relevant elements have been taken into account.