Guide Yourself: Steps to Initiate Retrofitting at Home
Taking on a building retrofit project can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it'll go off without a hitch. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Getting Started
Start by learning the ropes. A basic understanding is essential to make an informed decision about what your property needs and what works best for each area.
Get an initial energy audit of your property. This requires professional knowledge and can determine whether a makeover is necessary and what will work for your unique building. In the words of Edgar Ahn, Chief Innovation Officer at BDI-BioEnergy International, "A retrofit project should always begin with a thorough evaluation of the technical status quo."[A1]
If you're handling commercial sites, it's crucial to also analyze potential profit impacts and account for "downtimes of the existing production plant." Remember that not retrofitting may lead to legal proceedings for climate code breaches, shunning corporate social responsibility, and operational inefficiency.[A1]
Knowledge is power. Do a bit of digging and learn about the processes, timelines, technologies, expertise, and costs involved. If you know someone who's been through the process, pick their brains about what worked, what they'd change, and which technologies they used.[A1]
Local Regulations and Permissions
Don't forget to understand your city's regulations. You don't want to run afoul of the law with improper alterations to your building. Gain an understanding of planning permissions, building codes, energy efficiency certificates, city regulations, and retrofitting policies. Hiring architects and builders can assist in this area.[A1]
Setting Clear Goals
Now that you're informed, it's time to determine what you want from your renovation. Are you after passive-standard efficiency, renewable generation, better ventilation, improved soundproofing, more natural lighting, airtightness, seismic durability, water economy, or lower utility bills?[A1]
Finding Finances
Financing your retrofit depends on whether you're digging into your own pockets or seeking grants and loans. Options such as those in Barcelona and Lisbon offer information points to help with the process, while Ireland's Green Hub provides an end-to-end service.[A1]
Banks increasingly offer green mortgages,[A1] and some lenders, like those from Guyana, offer competitive interest rates, fast approvals, discounted lending services, and no late payment fees.[A1]
Building Your Team
National and regional funding schemes can be reliable resources for finding approved professionals, but finding independent know-how can be a challenge. As the number of trained retrofitting builders grows, remember that those hired by private construction firms may still be trying to make a sale.[A1]
Ask for testimonials and investigate show-homes to assess the quality of work and everyday reality.[A1] If the company isn't forthcoming with information or doesn't seem trustworthy, look elsewhere.
Communication is Key
Communication is vital, especially when retrofitting on a large scale or within public buildings. Be open and honest with all parties involved, and establish clear lines of communication to prevent unnecessary delays and disappointments.
Inform neighbors of disruptions, and share your aims with communities and stakeholders to foster accountability and better overall performance.[A1]
Creating a Roadmap
Bring your team together to establish an agreed-upon order of work and timeline, considering factors such as wait times, coordinating work in shared spaces, and when and for how long occupants should vacate.[A1] Negotiate the projected duration if necessary.
If you've opted for a shallow retrofit, determine how the work can be built on in the future to reinforce whole-house efficiency over time.[A1] Prioritize what's most needed immediately.
Additional Tips
Maintain Communication
Throughout the planning and retrofitting stages, ask questions and stay informed. Engage regularly with all parties, including occupants, construction companies, advisors, funders, and energy suppliers, and stay updated on progress and delays.[A1]
Handover and Post-Project Evaluation
After the retrofit, remember that your responsibility for upkeep begins. Implement basic maintenance, clean filters regularly, use smart technology effectively, turn devices off after use, sign up for the right energy provider and plan, maintain a consistent temperature, and unclog guttering.[A1]
Educate users if necessary, and address any habits that may lead to inefficiencies or damage. Good communication is the key to success in this area. A skilled team working toward shared goals will ensure a smooth process and quickly fix any glitches.
- To make an informed decision about your property's retrofit needs, delve into environmental-science and research the processes, timelines, technologies, costs, and expertise involved in renewable-energy and energy-efficiency projects.
- In the pursuit of sustainable-living, engage in environmental-science discussions with professionals in the industry, learn about available grants and loans, and explore energy-efficient solutions, such as those promoting passive-standard efficiency or renewable generation.
- When planning a building retrofit project, take into consideration the impact on climate-change, potential profit impacts, and the need to comply with local regulations and city regulations regarding energy efficiency certificates, building codes, and retrofitting policies.
- When creating a roadmap for your retrofit project, consider the long-term goals of establishing airtightness, seismic durability, water economy, and whole-house efficiency over time, and negotiate the projected duration with your team.
- After a building retrofit, adopt eco-friendly lifestyle practices by maintaining clean filters, using smart technology effectively, and educating users on good habits that ensure efficient energy usage and prolong the life of your home-and-garden systems.
