Whether you are planning a full property refurbishment, upgrading a buy-to-let flat, renovating a newly purchased investment property or modernising your family home, it is worth understanding your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) position before work begins.

Many property owners focus on design, budgeting and contractor selection but overlook how renovation decisions may influence a future EPC assessment.

Understanding your property’s current energy performance before investing in improvements can help support more informed planning and decision-making.

Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, EPCRATE provides EPC assessments and Draft EPC reviews throughout London, helping property owners better understand their property’s energy performance before major renovation projects begin. Call 020 3488 4142 to speak with our team.

Why Consider EPCs Before Renovating?

Renovation projects often involve substantial investment.

Common projects include:

  • Property refurbishments.
  • Buy-to-let upgrades.
  • Kitchen renovations.
  • Extension projects.
  • Heating system replacements.
  • Window upgrades.
  • Insulation improvements.
  • Loft conversions.

Before committing expenditure, many property owners wish to understand how proposed improvements fit within the property’s overall energy performance profile. Our guide to EPC improvement costs explains why budgets vary so widely between properties.

Renovation Decisions Can Have Long-Term Consequences

Once renovation works are complete, changing or reversing decisions can be expensive.

This is particularly relevant when:

  • Installing heating systems.
  • Improving insulation.
  • Replacing windows.
  • Adding renewable technologies.
  • Altering building fabric.

Reviewing energy performance considerations before work begins may help support long-term planning.

Why Supporting Evidence Should Be Planned Early

One of the most overlooked aspects of EPC assessments is documentation.

Many property owners complete improvement works but fail to retain evidence that may later be relevant to an EPC assessment.

Examples of useful documentation may include:

  • Insulation certificates.
  • FENSA certificates.
  • Building Control approvals.
  • Heating installation records.
  • Manufacturer specifications.
  • MCS certificates for renewable technologies.

Suitable evidence may help ensure qualifying features are appropriately reflected where assessment methodologies and conventions allow. See our full guide to EPC evidence and documents.

Why Landlords Should Review EPCs Before Refurbishment

Landlords often renovate properties between tenancies or after purchasing investment properties.

Typical objectives include:

  • Improving tenant appeal.
  • Modernising accommodation.
  • Reducing maintenance issues.
  • Supporting long-term investment strategies.
  • Reviewing future compliance considerations.

Understanding the property’s current EPC position before refurbishment can help landlords make more informed investment decisions.

London Flats Present Unique Challenges

Many London renovation projects involve flats and apartments.

These properties often present additional considerations including:

  • Leasehold restrictions.
  • Communal heating systems.
  • Building management company approvals.
  • Shared building structures.
  • Limited control over external elements.

As a result, improvement planning often requires a more tailored approach.

Why Consider a Draft EPC Before Renovation?

A Draft EPC service can be particularly useful before major renovation works begin.

Rather than waiting until improvements have already been completed, property owners may wish to review their property’s current position and consider potential improvement pathways beforehand.

A Draft EPC can help:

  • Review current energy performance.
  • Explore potential improvement scenarios.
  • Identify supporting evidence that should be retained.
  • Support refurbishment planning.
  • Assist with budgeting decisions.
  • Reduce the risk of unnecessary expenditure.

For example, a landlord planning a £25,000 refurbishment may wish to understand which improvements are likely to be most relevant to the property’s overall energy profile before works begin.

A Draft EPC can support this planning process.

However, a Draft EPC does not guarantee a particular EPC rating, compliance outcome or improvement result.

Final EPC ratings depend on the property’s characteristics, supporting evidence, assessment methodology and information available at the time of the official assessment.

Common Renovation Mistakes Property Owners Make

  • Starting work without understanding the property’s current EPC position.
  • Failing to retain installation certificates.
  • Not keeping Building Control documentation.
  • Assuming improvements automatically improve EPC outcomes.
  • Focusing on individual measures without considering the overall property profile.

Renovation Projects and Property Investors

Property investors frequently purchase properties requiring refurbishment.

Before committing substantial capital, investors often wish to understand:

  • The property’s current energy performance.
  • Potential improvement opportunities.
  • Available supporting evidence.
  • Long-term asset management considerations.

A Draft EPC review can help support these planning discussions.

Mortgage and Remortgage Considerations

Many homeowners renovate properties before applying for a remortgage, releasing equity or preparing a property for sale.

Where significant improvements have been completed, property owners may choose to commission a new EPC to obtain a more up-to-date assessment of the property’s energy performance.

Maintaining appropriate supporting evidence throughout the renovation process can be beneficial.

Why Choose EPCRATE?

  • Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose.
  • DEA Accredited.
  • ★★★★★ Trustpilot Reviews.
  • ★★★★★ Google Reviews.
  • Coverage across all 32 London boroughs.
  • Only London provider offering a Draft EPC service.
  • Domestic and Commercial EPC specialists.
  • Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Commended 2024.
  • Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Highly Commended 2025.
  • Same-day appointments available where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an EPC before renovating?

Many property owners find it useful to understand their property’s current energy performance before committing to major renovation works. Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for property-specific advice.

What is a Draft EPC?

A Draft EPC is a planning and review service designed to help property owners explore potential improvement scenarios before significant expenditure is committed. EPCRATE is the only London provider offering this service.

Can a Draft EPC guarantee a better EPC rating?

No. A Draft EPC supports planning and decision-making but cannot guarantee any specific outcome.

What documents should I keep during renovation?

Property owners should retain relevant certificates, Building Control records, installation documents and supporting evidence wherever possible.

Is a Draft EPC useful for landlords and investors?

Many landlords and investors find Draft EPC reviews useful when planning refurbishment projects and long-term property improvements.

Planning a renovation project? Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 to arrange a Draft EPC review before work begins.

Service Price
1 Bedroom EPC £59
2 Bedroom EPC £69
3 Bedroom EPC £79
EPC + Floor Plan Bundle £118



Written by Jino Jose

DEA & NDEA Accredited Energy Assessor  ·  EPCRATE, London  ·  Founded 2015

Jino Jose is the founder of EPCRATE and one of the few London assessors holding both Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) and Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) accreditations. He has carried out thousands of EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs since 2015.

✓ DEA Accredited ✓ NDEA Accredited ⭐ Trustpilot 5.0

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