Are You Paying Your Domestic Energy Assessors Enough?

With the implementation of RdSAP 10, the way Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) gather and report data has changed significantly — and estate agents should take note.

As an estate agent, you rely on DEAs to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that are not only legally required but also increasingly influential in buyers’ and tenants’ decisions. However, with the shift to RdSAP 10, the demands on assessors have increased substantially. The question is: has your payment structure evolved to reflect this?

What's Changed Under RdSAP 10?

The new version of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP 10) introduces more stringent requirements around data collection, greater detail in reporting, and a more comprehensive inspection process. Some key changes include:

• More detailed recording of insulation and construction types, requiring more thorough on-site investigation.

• Increased evidence standards, with assessors needing to document sources and provide clear audit trails.

• New data fields and conventions, expanding the scope of information that must be gathered.

• Additional training and software adaptation costs, which DEAs have had to absorb just to stay compliant.

In short, producing a compliant EPC now demands more time, greater expertise, and a significantly more rigorous approach than in previous iterations.

A Real-World Example: Windows

One striking change is in how windows are recorded. Under RdSAP 10, each individual window now requires 11 separate data inputs.

For even a modest 3-bedroom house with, say, 10–12 windows, this can easily result in 120+ additional observations compared to assessments under RdSAP 9.94.

And that’s just the windows. Multiply that across every aspect of the property, and it’s clear the workload has increased significantly.

More Than Just EPCs

It’s also important to remember that many DEAs offer value-added services beyond EPCs. A common and highly valuable offering is floorplan creation — a key asset in property marketing. By choosing assessors who can provide EPCs and floorplans together, agents can streamline property listings, save time coordinating multiple providers, and ensure consistency across materials. These bundled services enhance efficiency and strengthen your working relationships.

The Value of Fair Pay

It’s worth asking: Are your assessors being fairly compensated for the added responsibilities and time commitment?

If EPCs are being done on a "volume over value" basis, you may be incentivising speed over accuracy — a risk under the current conventions. Inaccurate or poorly evidenced assessments could result in failed audits, reputational damage, or even legal repercussions.

Conversely, paying assessors fairly for the quality and complexity of their work means:

• More accurate EPCs

• Reduced compliance risk

• Better long-term relationships with assessors

• A more professional image for your agency

Time to Reassess Your Rates?

Many DEAs have absorbed the additional work without a corresponding increase in pay. But with growing awareness across the industry, there’s a rising expectation that fees should reflect the reality of what a modern EPC entails.

If you haven't reviewed your payment structure since the RdSAP 10 rollout, now is the time. Talk to your assessors. Understand the new workload. And consider the broader value they bring — not just in compliance, but in services like floorplans that enhance your listings and marketing impact.

Paying a bit more per job may save you much more in the long run — in both compliance and quality.

In Conclusion

Domestic Energy Assessors are more than just box-tickers — they are professionals navigating a complex regulatory landscape on your behalf. Under RdSAP 10, their role has expanded significantly. As estate agents, recognising and rewarding that added value isn't just good ethics — it’s good business.

So, ask yourself: Are you paying your assessors what they’re truly worth?