With growing awareness among homeowners around energy efficiency and sustainable living, contractors like you have the opportunity to help your customers tackle important issues such as high energy bills, draughty homes, and improved health and well-being for their families. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to understand when retrofit measures are appropriate and how to propose the right solutions, allowing you to offer valuable, professional advice and guidance.

Read on to understand how to identify opportunities, the measures that you can recommend, and where to get the data to back up your suggestions.

Signs That Your Customer Needs Retrofit 

In many situations, there are specific signs that indicate the need for retrofit improvements. You may hear your customers mention their high energy bills, complain about an uncomfortable living environment, and even see visible issues such as condensation and mould. This aligns with findings on retrofit motivations outlined in UK GBC’s report. Homeowners often overlook hidden signs of poor energy efficiency, such as cold spots or uneven temperatures across rooms. Persistent humidity, which can lead to mould growth, can indicate poor ventilation or insulation. 

Results from a recent survey offered valuable insights into the needs of residents, with almost half of the respondents saying they’d found it difficult to find a tradesperson to carry out work. This indicates that a small but notable segment of Able To Pay (ATP) retrofit consumers is eager to take on home improvement projects.

Motivations for homeowners vary. Retrofit West data shows that “reducing energy bills” and “improving health and comfort” are top priorities, and larger projects – such as loft conversions or kitchen renovations – present ideal opportunities to suggest retrofit measures thereby minimising disruption and adding valuable services that customers appreciate.

Retrofit Measures to Consider 

Retrofit can range from basic insulation to installing heat pumps or renewable technologies such as solar panels and battery storage. For example:

Underfloor and wall insulation: During a kitchen or bathroom renovation, insulating floors and walls help to improve the home’s warmth and reduce overall energy costs.

Draught proofing and high-efficiency windows: Replacing windows and sealing draughts can make immediate improvements in comfort and energy efficiency, appealing to customers who are looking for cost savings. It can also improve security.

Ventilation systems: Proper ventilation is crucial in preventing issues like mould, especially in homes with good insulation where air circulation may be limited. For example, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems are highly effective for maintaining a healthy indoor environment while also preserving heat. 

Energy-efficient lighting and appliances: Switching from halogen lights to LED lighting is a simple upgrade that can significantly reduce electricity use. Energy-efficient appliances can be recommended, such as induction cooktops and high-efficiency water heaters, providing homeowners with ongoing savings.

Natural materials for healthier homes: Offering bio-based options like lime plaster or natural insulation materials will appeal to environmentally minded customers, especially those keen on reducing carbon emissions. If you’re able to understand and communicate these benefits, you can better support your customers in making sustainable choices. 

Gathering Data to Support Retrofit Recommendations

Once you’ve identified opportunities for retrofit measures, offering data-grounded suggestions strengthens your role as a trusted advisor. Simple assessments, like thermographic imaging (e.g. CHEESE surveys) and air-tightness testing, provide valuable insights into a building’s energy performance. These assessments help you identify the most cost-effective upgrades, supporting an evidence-based approach to your recommendations.

Retrofit West’s recent survey data highlights that homeowners are particularly driven by cost savings and improvements to their health and well-being, and they value transparent, informative guidance on the environmental and economic impacts of retrofit​. As more homeowners seek out energy assessments before committing to renovations, knowledgeable contractors can advise them confidently through these options.

Some local energy assessors include: 

• Building Energy Experts
• CWE Consultants Ltd 
• Electric Owl 
• Energy Saving Experts
• Furbnow
• Futureproof (CSE)

For more details, you can visit the Retrofit West directory.

Conclusion

Sustainability is reshaping the construction industry, and retrofit skills are key to staying competitive in this evolving market. By understanding these opportunities and effectively guiding homeowners through the choices available, you can offer a valuable, professional and customer-focused service.

The Green Register’s Retrofit Skills Level 2 Course empowers construction professionals like you to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency. Don’t miss this chance to lead the way in sustainable construction—sign up today to expand your expertise and unlock new opportunities for your business and your customers.

For more information, and to sign up, visit the Retrofit Skills Level 2 website here: https://www.greenregister.org.uk/retrofit-skills-level-2