Retrofit FAQ

Retrofitting is the process of updating and improving an existing structure with new components or technology to enhance its performance and energy efficiency.

This may take various forms, including upgrading insulation in multiple areas of the home, replacing tired doors and windows, and implementing or improving airtightness.

Our team will assess the needs of your home and provide expert advice to help you confidently move forward with a project tailored to your specific needs.

There are many benefits to retrofitting your home, financially, health-wise, and environmentally:

• Reduced carbon footprint
• Improved energy efficiency
• Decreased energy bills
• Improved air quality as a result of reduced damp
• Increase in property value

If you’re ready to improve the energy efficiency of your home, our assessment will enable us to recommend the best solutions for your property. The services we offer include:

• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems (MVHR)
• Loft insulation
• Roof insulation
• External wall insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Floor insulation
• High quality triple glazed windows and doors
• Airtightness
• Mechanical extract ventilation systems (MEV)

While the Retrofit Hub team is not formally certified, every member brings extensive experience in retrofit and energy efficiency. Our team includes specialists who have worked on a wide range of projects, from small-scale home improvements to large Passivhaus-standard retrofits. We stay up to date with best practices, industry standards, and emerging technologies to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Our process allows us to create a bespoke solution tailored to your specific needs and which will create the best results for your property.

Survey

The first step in your retrofit journey is a survey.

We survey your home to help you understand how it currently performs, what you can do to improve it, and what the potential costs are.

We have a range of surveys to suit your needs. From straightforward surveys for individual measures like loft insulation or floor insulation to in depth whole house surveys for more complex projects.

Assessment and Design

Using the information from your home survey the Hub Team will asses your home to make sure your retrofit plan is right for you and your home.

Good design is key to making sure there are no unintended consequences from the retrofit work. We use standard design details for the majority of work we do, but in some instances you will need extra design work to be done. We can help identify suitable designers and can work with your architect if your project needs one.

Installation

We will plan and implement all the works set out in your retrofit plan with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

Our team of experienced tradespeople are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible and take pride in their work to get the results to meet the aims of your project.

We’ll also provide you with all the relevant information you need to understand the benefits of the work we’ve done, make sure you understand any maintenance needed, and make sure you know how to use any systems or technologies we’ve installed.

Evaluation

Our work isn’t finished when the measures are installed. We keep in touch to make sure everything is going well.

Yes, we do charge for assessments. A thorough retrofit assessment takes time and expertise to complete, as it involves evaluating your property’s condition, identifying the most effective improvements, and providing tailored recommendations. The cost covers this professional analysis and helps ensure that we provide you with accurate, actionable insights.

Although our assessors have knowledge around planning constraints for retrofit and have in depth knowledge of the building regulations, it is best to consult an expert in these areas if you are experiencing difficulties.

The timeline of a retrofit project depends on the size and complexity of the work. Smaller projects, such as insulation or airtightness improvements in a single room, may take just a few weeks, while full-house retrofits, especially to Passivhaus standards, can take several months. We work closely with you to plan and schedule the work efficiently, minimizing disruption and ensuring a smooth process.

While we can’t guarantee happiness, we are committed to delivering high-quality work and a positive experience. We achieve this through clear communication, regular check-ins, and collaboration throughout the project. We also provide detailed project plans, transparent pricing, and access to our expert team to address any concerns. Our goal is to ensure you’re satisfied with the results and confident in the improvements made to your home.

At The Retrofit Hub we specialise in improving the energy efficiency of homes in South Manchester and South Cheshire. We understand the importance of not only reducing energy costs but also in creating comfortable, sustainable living spaces for you and your family.

Our team of experienced tradespeople are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible. We work closely with our customers to guide them through every step of the process, from initial survey and assessment though, design and installation, and finally an evaluation of the completed work.

We take pride in being able to provide our customers with all the information they need to make an informed decision. From identifying options to showing you the latest technologies available, we strive to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.