DipDEA Element 3.1

Agree and confirm instructions to undertake energy assessments

You must be able to:

respond promptly to requests to undertake energy assessments from prospective clients
clarify and confirm the requirements and expectations of the client
explain to the client that an Energy Performance Certificate is a legally required document in certain circumstances, that its form and content is prescribed, and that it has to be accompanied by cost-effective recommendations
explain to the client the terms and conditions under which you will undertake an energy assessment
explain to the client the limitations and constraints of the planned energy assessment
write to the client to confirm the instruction and the terms, conditions and arrangements that have been agreed
confirm with the client or other occupiers the date and time of the on-site inspection
confirm with the client or other occupiers any specific arrangements that apply to the energy assessment
identify any circumstances that prevent you from undertaking an energy assessment and explain the reasons to the client politely and clearly

You must know and understand:

the legislation giving rise to energy assessments and Energy Performance Certificates
regulations under that legislation relating to the role of Domestic Energy Assessors and the undertaking of energy assessments
the types of property and situations that do not by law require an Energy Performance Certificate
how to clarify and confirm the requirements and expectations of the client
when a potential conflict of interest will require disclosure to the client, or will require the need to decline the instructions altogether
the limitations and constraints that apply to the conduct of energy assessments
the importance of confirming in writing the arrangements agreed between you and the client
fee structures and payment arrangements for energy assessments
how to confirm on-site inspection arrangements with the client or other occupier
the importance of confirming whether any specific arrangements apply to the energy assessment
how to identify and explain any circumstances that prevent you from undertaking an energy assessment

(i) face to face

(iii) in writing

(iii) by telephone

(iv) by email

(i) access to the property

(ii) those present at the property at the time of on-site inspection

(iii) health and safety issues

(i) properties beyond your current level of competence

(ii) your own diary pressures

(iii) difficulties in gaining access

(iv) conflicts of interest