Retrofit advice
About retrofit
Retrofit is the process of making changes to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced. These changes can have the benefit of making your home more comfortable and greatly lowering your fuel bills.
Guidance toolkit on building retrofit - this toolkit has been created to make Net Zero carbon or low carbon retrofit more accessible. It is aimed at building professionals but homeowners may also find it useful.
Trustmark Retrofit Advice - government advice with a downloadable guide on retrofit which outlines what retrofit is, what measures can be taken, who to use, and what questions to consider when retrofitting.
Act on Energy – free resources with lots of information and advice on individual retrofit and insulation measures.
Birmingham Green Doors – a free event which allows residents to visit retrofitted properties in Birmingham and find out how the occupants reduced their bills and energy usage.
Retrofit in listed or older buildings can be more challenging as old homes may be less energy efficient and there may be restrictions on what measures can be done to a building if it is listed.
Historic England - Provide useful guides on improving energy efficiency in historic buildings.
Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) – provide a free guide on planning a responsible retrofit in traditional buildings.
Watch the videos below to see case studies of retrofitting.
If you have problems with retrofit installation
We hope that the work on your home has been done well however, sometimes there may be problems.
If you experience problems:
1. Speak to the installer.
Under the under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 or the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) 2015, they have a legal obligation to put any problems right. The law says:
- goods must be correctly installed
- work must be carried out within a reasonable timeframe with reasonable care and skill
- materials must be fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality, as described and agreed upon
Under the Consumer Rights Act, you can also claim compensation for any inconvenience caused.
Speak to the contractor that you dealt with, even if they sub-contracted the work to another company. It helps if you take photographs of the problem.
2. If the installer does not come back and solve the problem, you can start a formal complaint.
The larger retrofit contractors will have a complaints process on their website. Some builders will be part of a trade association which will be able to advise you on making a complaint. The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you to write a letter.
3. Contact Trustmark.
Trustmark are the responsible body for all publicly funded retrofit works like the ECO scheme or Great British Insulation Scheme.
The installer must have lodged the project with Trustmark before they can be paid.
Read the Trustmark guidance – if things go wrong
4. If the work was completed under the ECO scheme or Great British Insulation scheme, contact the organisation that funded the work.
This will be one of the larger energy companies and they are obliged to act.
5. The installation should come with a 25-year guarantee. This should give details of how to claim under the guarantee.
6. Some contractors are part of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, and you can use this instead of going to court.
Contractors who are part of the Federation of Master Builders or are Trustmark registered will have access to an ADR scheme.
7. If your problem is not resolved and the amount you are claiming is less than £10,000, you can go to the Small Claims Court. You do not need a solicitor for this.
Find out how to make a claim in Small Claims Court
8. If you think the contractor acted unfairly or has left the work in a dangerous state, contact Birmingham Trading Standards.
Read more about Birmingham Trading Standards and what they do
Page last updated: 24 April 2024
