HOME RETROFIT

Retrofitting involves updating your home’s systems and structure without major renovations. At Inner Create, we offer expert retrofit services in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and the UK, including insulation upgrades, energy-efficient heating systems, and ventilation improvements. Our residential retrofit services are designed to enhance comfort, reduce energy bills, and improve your home’s EPC rating, making your property sustainable and eco-friendly

Retrofitting your home reduces energy bills, boosts your comfort, and increases your property’s value. It also lowers your carbon footprint, helping to create a more sustainable future. By improving insulation, upgrading heating systems, and integrating energy-efficient solutions, you’ll enjoy a home that’s not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly

• The Target:

  Achieve a massive 68% reduction in carbon emissions from homes by 2030!

• The Strategy:

  Focus on retrofitting – upgrading existing homes to be more energy-efficient.

• The Requirement:

  All affordable homes must reach a minimum energy efficiency rating (EPC C) by 2030.

Introducing PAS 2035: A New Standard for Retrofitting

To achieve these ambitious goals, the UK is introducing a new standard called PAS 2035. This changes the way homes are retrofitted:

• Goodbye Single Measures:

  Previously, programs focused on just one improvement, like insulation or new windows.

• Hello Holistic Approach:

  PAS 2035 requires a complete plan tailored to each specific home, ensuring the most effective energy savings. Think of it like this: instead of patching a leaky roof with one shingle, you’re giving the entire roof a comprehensive overhaul for long-term energy efficiency. This approach maximises energy savings and creates a more comfortable and sustainable home for you.

Your decision to make your home more energy-efficient is a great step towards a greener future. But navigating the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where Retrofit Coordinators come in!

Think of them as your project managers for a sustainable home makeover. They’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and meets the latest standards (PAS 2035) to maximise your home’s energy efficiency.

Here’s what your Retrofit Coordinator will do:

• Risk Assessment:

  They’ll thoroughly assess your property to identify potential challenges and the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency.

• Long-Term Plan:

  They’ll develop a comprehensive plan outlining the steps needed to make your home more energy-efficient, often with a mid-term improvement schedule spread over 30 years.

• Project Management:

  From start to finish, they’ll manage the entire project. This includes liaising with everyone involved, from assessors and designers to installers, ensuring all the pieces fit together seamlessly.

• Documentation:

  They’ll keep detailed records of the project’s progress, including information from you and the specialists working on your home. This ensures everything is transparent and meets regulations.

Benefits of a Retrofit Coordinator:

• Peace of Mind:

  You can relax knowing a professional oversees the entire process, ensuring compliance and quality.

• Maximised Efficiency:

  Their expertise ensures the chosen measures work together to achieve the best possible energy savings for your home.

• Streamlined Process:

  They handle the communication and coordination with all parties involved, saving you time and hassle.

In short, a Retrofit Coordinator is your partner in creating a greener, more comfortable, and cost-effective home.

A Retrofit Assessor is a qualified professional who evaluates the energy performance of a home before a retrofit project begins. They act as the initial point of contact and play a crucial role in setting the stage for a successful and impactful retrofit. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

Evaluation and Analysis:

• Site Visit and Inspection:

  The assessor will visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection. This might involve checking insulation levels, windows, doors, heating systems, and other aspects that affect energy efficiency.

• Blower Door Test (optional):

  In some cases, they might perform a blower door test to identify and measure air leaks in your home. This helps determine how much energy is lost due to drafts.

• Energy Bill Analysis:

  Reviewing your past energy bills can provide valuable insights into your home’s current energy consumption patterns.

Creating a Roadmap for Improvement:

• Detailed Report:

  Based on the findings, the assessor will create a comprehensive report outlining your home’s energy performance. This report will identify areas for improvement and recommend suitable retrofit measures.

• Prioritisation and Cost Estimation:

  They might help prioritise the recommended improvements based on their potential impact on energy savings and cost-effectiveness. You’ll also likely receive an estimated cost range for the various measures.

Knowledge and Expertise:

• Understanding of Building Science:

  Retrofit assessors have a strong understanding of how buildings function from an energy perspective. This allows them to identify potential issues and recommend effective solutions.

• Awareness of Regulations and Standards:

  They are knowledgeable about relevant government regulations and standards like PAS 2035 (UK) that guide retrofit projects.

Overall, a Retrofit Assessor acts as your guide in the initial stages of your home’s energy transformation. Their expertise helps you understand your home’s energy usage, identify the best areas for improvement, and create a personalised roadmap for a successful and cost-effective retrofit project.

A Retrofit Designer is the architect behind your home’s energy makeover! They take the recommendations from the Retrofit Assessor and translate them into a detailed plan for your retrofit project. Here’s how they contribute to the process:

Turning Recommendations into Reality:

• Understanding the Assessor’s Report:

  The Retrofit Designer meticulously reviews the report from the Retrofit Assessor. This includes analyzing the identified areas for improvement and the suggested retrofit measures.

• Crafting a Bespoke Design:

  Based on the assessor’s findings and your specific needs and preferences, the designer creates a comprehensive retrofit design. This design outlines the specific materials, products, and systems needed to achieve the desired energy efficiency goals.

Technical Expertise and Creativity:

• Knowledge of Retrofit Measures:

  They possess a deep understanding of various retrofit measures, including insulation types, energy-efficient windows and doors, heating and cooling system upgrades, and renewable energy options like solar panels.

• Optimising for Efficiency:

  The designer expertly combines different retrofit measures to ensure they work together seamlessly, maximizing your home’s overall energy performance.

• Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality:

  While prioritising efficiency, they can also consider ways to integrate the retrofit measures aesthetically into your existing home design.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Working with Other Specialists:

  The designer might collaborate with architects, engineers, and product specialists to ensure the chosen solutions are technically sound and compatible with your home’s structure.

• Communicating the Plan Clearly:

  They will present the design plan to you in a clear and understandable way, explaining the chosen measures, their benefits, and the potential impact on your home’s energy efficiency and comfort level.

Overall, a Retrofit Designer is the creative force behind your retrofit project. Their expertise transforms the initial assessment into a concrete plan, ensuring your home’s energy makeover is not only efficient but also potentially enhances the aesthetics and functionality of your living space.

In the context of retrofitting, a Whole House Plan is a comprehensive strategy outlining the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It takes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of your house that contribute to energy consumption.

Here’s what a Whole House Plan typically entails:

Detailed Assessment:

• This initial stage often involves a visit from a Retrofit Assessor who will evaluate your home’s current energy performance. They’ll inspect insulation levels, windows, doors, heating/cooling systems, and identify areas for improvement.
• Analysis of your energy bills can also provide insights into your current energy usage patterns.

Prioritised Recommendations:

• Based on the assessment, the plan will prioritise specific retrofit measures that will deliver the biggest impact on energy savings.
• This might involve a combination of improvements like:
  
  • Upgrading insulation in walls, floors, and lofts.
  • Replacing inefficient windows and doors with energy-efficient models.
  • Installing a more efficient heating system (e.g., heat pump) or improving the existing one.
  • Integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels.
• The plan will consider not only the potential impact but also factors like cost-effectiveness and potential disruption to your living space.

Phased Implementation (Optional):

• A Whole House Plan may also be implemented in phases, particularly for larger projects. This allows you to spread out the costs and minimise disruption to your daily life. The plan will outline the recommended order for implementing the various measures.

Benefits of a Whole House Plan:

• Maximised Energy Savings:

  By taking a comprehensive approach, you can achieve significantly higher energy savings compared to single, piecemeal improvements.

• Cost-Effectiveness:

  The plan prioritises measures with the highest impact, helping you optimise your investment.

• Long-Term Vision:

  It provides a roadmap for future improvements, allowing you to plan and budget for additional upgrades over time.

• Increased Comfort:

  A well-retrofitted home maintains a consistent temperature, eliminating drafts and creating a more comfortable living environment.

• Reduced Environmental Impact:

  By using less energy, you contribute to a cleaner environment.

Overall, a Whole House Plan is your roadmap to a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable home.