Retrofit Lessons from Homeowners in the UK
Interested in the retrofit journey from the perspective of people who have decided to do it themselves? Discover lessons, insights, and surprises these homeowners encountered while retrofitting their houses - from series two of our Accelerate to Zero Podcast.
Interested in the retrofit journey from the perspective of people who have decided to do it themselves?
Discover lessons, insights, and surprises these UK homeowners encountered while retrofitting their houses, from series two of our Accelerate to Zero Podcast.
Sal Wilson - Retrofit in London
In this episode Sal tells us about her own retrofit project of her family’s home in Cornwall, speaking on upskilling, supply chain, and the importance of following a Whole Building Approach with the help of an expert.
Lessons retrofitting their home:
It is beneficial to have a retrofit coordinator or guide who can provide expert advice and help navigate the challenges of the retrofitting process. Excessive insulation can lead to overheating, while inadequate moisture management can result in issues like mould and dampness, so achieving a balanced approach requires careful consideration and knowledge of building materials, ventilation strategies, and insulation levels.
Communication, coordination and trust between different parties involved, such as plumbers, installers, and organisations, is essential to ensure proper sizing, installation, and compliance with regulations.
Having awareness of available grants, VAT exemptions, and other financial incentives can help homeowners make more informed decisions and manage the costs of retrofitting.
Insights on the wider issues:
Building control and regulations, particularly related to energy efficiency, need to be more comprehensive and standardised to ensure quality and consistency in retrofit projects.
There is a need for standardised and accessible information and support for homeowners undertaking retrofit projects, including clear guidelines on materials, processes, and energy efficiency measures.
Sal faced challenges in finding local experts for retrofitting work. Organisations like Super Homes provided access to professionals in the field.
Sarah and Michael Lewis - Retrofit Near Edinburgh
Sarah Lewis has a background in architecture and passive house design while her husband Michael’s expertise lies in architecture and education. They share a detailed history of the retrofit of their home – a 1930s end-terrace house in East Lothian, Scotland, which underwent a deep retrofit after its purchase in 2018.
Lessons retrofitting their home:
Meticulous record-keeping during the demolition and construction process can be immensely helpful for future reference, troubleshooting and giving to any future contractors.
Renovations and retrofitting projects can involve unexpected challenges and discoveries, such as uncovering previous DIY attempts and making decisions about what to strip back and rebuild. Budget constraints may require prioritising certain aspects of the project and taking on more DIY work to achieve desired results.
The financial aspect of retrofitting should be considered carefully. Investing in your home and prioritising long-term comfort and energy performance may not always yield immediate financial returns, but it can bring daily joy and well-being.
Insights on the wider issues:
Homeowners face challenges in not having the expertise to question or challenge contractors' advice. This knowledge gap can lead to subpar retrofitting outcomes and homeowners feeling at the mercy of contractors. The need for better standards and regulations is evident, as minimum legal requirements often fall short of optimal retrofitting practices.
Historically there have been issues with single-measure retrofits and contractors not adhering to proper installation techniques. This lack of quality control and knowledge can lead to incomplete or ineffective retrofitting work, further complicating the process and buy-in from homeowners.
Efforts are being made by organisations like BEST and Co-Action to address these challenges, fill skills gaps, and improve the overall quality of retrofitting projects. Practical training courses, such as the Passive House training, aim to provide hands-on experience and empower professionals to deliver high-quality retrofit solutions.
Sarah Buchanan - Retrofit in Glasgow
Sarah Buchanan, former impact manager in the retrofit team at BE-ST, shares her personal retrofit project in her new house. Having recently bought her home, Sarah talks about the lessons, tips and challenges from the perspective of someone just getting started.
Lessons retrofitting their home:
Utilise online platforms or forums where homeowners can share information, ask questions, and receive guidance on retrofitting projects. These platforms can provide access to valuable resources and a supportive community. Community-led organisations such as Loco Homes give you access to direct support in how to get started in retrofitting your home.
Stay informed about emerging financing solutions and incentives for energy-efficient retrofitting projects. Scottish residents can apply for a grant or interest-free loan to support their retrofitting project through Homes Energy Scotland.
It is important to understand your home's typology. Gain knowledge about the specific construction and architectural features of your home, such as wall types (e.g., cavity walls, timber frames) and their implications for energy efficiency.
Insights on the wider issues
The costs of retrofit on a broader scale are vastly underestimated and people do not have the resources to tackle individual retrofit on their own without support. Local authorities and Government could explore financial solutions, such as attaching energy efficiency to council tax or creating a second mortgage for energy efficiency improvements.
One option for homeowners to explore is collective purchasing and procurement, particularly for tenements, to share costs and minimise disruption. Shared repairs platforms sponsored by councils such as Glasgow City Council and Edinburgh City Council’s Novoville are solutions that help with this.
There are huge gaps in the market for a one-stop-shop in retrofit, particularly in finding contractors who have the expertise to address multiple aspects of retrofitting.
For more insights and the full episodes, listen to the full retrofit homeowner series and more from the Accelerate to Zero Podcast.