UNDERSTANDING RETROFIT
“They will be familiar with designing and fitting materials to meet current regulations to enable sign-off from building inspectors. They already have all the equipment, practical skills and access to materials in their day-to-day RMI sector work that can translate into the retrofit world very easily. You’re already doing the work Examples of similar works to RMI include: ● Improving window installation by draught proofing them and sealing gaps ● Insulating loft space to improve its thermal performance ● Fitting insulation in the floors between joist under the floorboards ● Replacing windows and doors ● Fitting SMART heating systems with modern thermostat controls ● Understanding airtightness and ventilation strategy if working closely with an electrician or plumber who has familiarity with these technologies. As Dodd notes, more technical retrofit tasks will require upskilling, such as when installing air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and solar PV and batteries. “My concern,” Dodd explains, “is that if a builder is already involved in renovations, they need to understand the implications of ventilation strategies, different kinds of construction related to air tightness, and appropriate measures and timing of those measures to ensure there are no unintended consequences down the line.” The gold standard For those wanting to become skilled in retrofit work, Dodd’s advice is to complete formal training so that you are qualified and approved to deliver projects according to the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 standards. Wicks says: “They need all the basics, which they should in theory already have – working at heights, asbestos, first aid, abrasive wheels awareness,
The stages of a retrofit home improvement by ExtendOUT Design & Build in West Molesey
ventilation heat recovery systems, low carbon technologies and an NVQ in insulation would also help.” Overcoming challenges A worry for those unfamiliar with retrofit work and eager to begin is one of underestimation. “Some might not think through how difficult it can be to do a retrofit, to make an older building more energy efficient whilst retaining the original aesthetics and features of the building,” says Wicks. “It’s often more costly to retrofit a house as opposed to building something new, and it can take more time too, because you have to work with existing structures and the nuances that come with it; for example, walls that are not square, foundations that are not as expected, and matching materials, which can take more time and money to source.” Wicks also warns of potentially expensive errors: “Working with different materials that the builder isn’t familiar with can be costly, because it might mean having to learn the skills that are needed by making mistakes on the job.”
plan for home improvements” that ensure “a property operates in as energy-efficient a manner as possible, with all aspects of the building complementing each other”. This means “improvements are carried out in an organised, sensible order, with installations and refits complementing each other rather than working against each other”. Dodd says: “By following the whole house plan, the sequence of the works will be logical and shouldn’t require the next owner (or maybe a phase two of a refurbishment) to undo works done in phase one.” Taking a whole house approach is not without its challenges. “You need to consider and assess the entire make-up of the house, and how fitting certain measures may impact other elements of the house and potentially lead to problems like condensation, mould or overheating,” Wicks says. “If builders don’t comply with regulatory requirements and implement measures correctly, it could result in a poor level of work and dissatisfied customers down the line. Essentially, without the relevant training and knowledge to diagnose a house correctly and implement the correct measures, it could cause more damage than good.” Wicks’ warning doesn’t mean you can’t take on the work. You just need to be smart about it by undertaking work you are equipped to deliver, upskilling in areas where you cannot and taking additional steps such as working with a retrofit coordinator.
manual handling – but also how to install mechanical
The whole house
The Retrofit Academy defines the ‘whole house’ approach to retrofit as “a comprehensive
Installing energy-efficient heating systems, as seen at one of Dodd’s projects, is a key part of retrofitting a home
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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