Just revalidated my IR in the UK and did the following (NB. aware of lack of experience, just sharing IR exam experience):
Single Pilot with 3 altimeters, one each side in usual position and standby,
Take off - all QNH
Cleared FL - alt 1 & sby 1013 straight away, alt 2 prev QNH
Arrival atis copied - alt 2 new qnh
Change to app'ch- atis code and QNH reported, when confirmed sby to current QNH
Cleared descend (Scottish TMA so 6000' TA) - all to QNH
I was always taught to work an altimeter check into any checklist and to treat it as seperate from an instrument check. Good instructor told me to say - setting - sector - safe, and to call when passing below MSA and state why I was happy to go below.