You've applied for the Warm Homes Plan and your survey appointment is coming up. Here's exactly what will happen — so you can prepare and get the most from the visit.
After approval, our solar panel installation team handles the install.
Who carries out the survey?
The survey is conducted by a qualified domestic energy assessor (DEA), either employed by the delivery body (Cosy Homes in Lancashire) or by an approved installation company like Alliant Energy. The assessor is trained to evaluate insulation, heating, and EPC, and produce a tailored recommendation. The survey takes 1–1.5 hours, is free, and creates no obligation.
What will the assessor check?
1. Roof and loft
The assessor accesses your loft to measure existing insulation depth and type. Standard new-build insulation is 270mm — many older homes have 100mm or less.
2. Walls
Wall type identified (cavity, solid brick, stone, timber frame). For cavity walls, a borescope may be used to confirm whether the cavity is filled — non-damaging.
3. Heating system
Boiler, heating controls, radiator sizes and hot water cylinder assessed. If a heat pump is being considered, a heat loss calculation is performed.
4. Glazing and doors
Window specification (single, double, triple) and external doors recorded.
5. Solar roof assessment
If solar is being recommended, roof orientation, pitch, shading and available panel area are evaluated. South-facing roofs between 30–40° are optimal, but east and west can still generate meaningfully.
What questions will they ask you?
- How many people live in the property?
- How long have you lived here?
- How do you currently heat the property?
- Are there any rooms you don't heat?
- Do you have any damp or condensation issues?
- When was the boiler last serviced?
- Do you have a copy of your latest EPC?
Honest answers help produce an accurate recommendation — there are no wrong answers.
Ready to book your survey?
Alliant Energy arranges surveys across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
What happens after the survey?
The assessor produces a written report within a few days, including:
- Current EPC rating and projected post-improvement rating
- List of recommended measures
- Confirmation of funding availability
- Estimated energy bill saving after improvements
Cosy Homes in Lancashire then issues a formal funding confirmation. Once accepted, installation is scheduled with an MCS-certified installer — such as Alliant Energy.
How to prepare for your survey
- Ensure loft access is clear
- Have your most recent EPC to hand
- Know your approximate household income
- Note any recent work — new windows, insulation, boiler
- If you have a smart meter, it's useful to have recent energy data
Frequently asked questions
Is the Warm Homes Plan survey free?
Yes. The survey is completely free and creates no obligation to proceed.
How long does the survey take?
Typically 1 to 1.5 hours for a standard three-bedroom property.
Will the surveyor damage my walls or loft?
No. If a borescope is used to check cavity wall insulation, the process involves a small drill hole (~15mm) which is filled and sealed after inspection.
What happens if I'm not eligible after the survey?
Alliant Energy will advise on alternative routes — Boiler Upgrade Scheme, private solar at 0% VAT, or the upcoming Warm Homes Fund.
Related Warm Homes Plan guides
