Retrofit is a process which makes a series of changes to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced.
Completed retrofit works should also bring the added benefit of a more comfortable and healthier home. There are a number of measures which can be carried out such as; loft or wall insulation, double or triple glazing or replacing a gas boiler with a ground or air hear-source pump. In some cases when other home improvements like loft conversions are carried out, it can prompt the opportunity to carry out other energy-reducing measures on the house at the same time.
When referring to retrofit there are two approaches that you will hear people talk about: ‘Fabric First’ and ‘Whole House’.
Within Retrofit, there are multiple steps to action in order to complete the process. Find out here what the five key steps are to complete your retrofit journey.
Step 1: Assess The Property
You will need to request a Retrofit Professional to visit your property and find out the information on everything from the existing energy usage to the building itself.
In this first step, they will talk to you about the type of improvements you wish to carry out and what the overall outcome is of what you would like to achieve. The Retrofit Professional will also need to understand how you and any other occupants use your home.
Step 2: Prepare A Whole House Plan
Preparing a Whole House plan is one of the most important parts of the process. You will be provided with a report which will state what you can do to reduce your energy bills and emissions to make your home more comfortable and healthier to live in.
This is a bespoke plan and design for the whole of your property. It will outline the measures you could consider to make your home as energy efficient as possible. As well as this it will report on which measures are the most cost-effective, have the most impact and in which order they should be implemented.
One thing to remember in this process is that not all need to be completed at one time. Complete measures at different stages to suit your budget, lifestyle and what you want to achieve in the long run.
Step 3: Agree On The Plan And Gather Quotes
At this point, the Retrofit Professional will propose and agree on a plan with you. They will explain everything and clarify anything you are unsure about before moving forward. The Retrofit Professional is able to oversee the project and explain how they will work with you until the project reaches evaluation and completion.
If you are happy to continue, then they will gather quotes from approved retrofit contractors for the works to be carried out and provide peace of mind that the works are completed to the right quality standards.
Step 4: Sign Contracts And Start Work
Once you have decided and confirmed which contractor to go ahead with, it is advised that you have a contract in place to outline the process of work to be completed. This also creates a clear picture for both parties of what was agreed upon, and you are protected.
Once contracts have been signed, you are able to commence work. Your Retrofit Professional is available and can manage the project from start to finish, they will then be able to monitor the work along the way. They are also responsible for protecting your interests.
In some cases, you may already have a project manager, for example, an architect or surveyor who is already overseeing works; therefore, you may prefer that they do this for you.
Step 5: Evaluation And Completion
Once the works have been completed, the appointed person of Retrofit Professional or Project Manager should be able to check that work has been delivered as expected and completed to all the required quality standards.
If you wish to find out more information on Retrofit or how LivGreen can help you in the process, get in touch and book a call with us today.
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