Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common retrofit questions — in plain English.
Getting Started
Where should I start — EPC Search, Technical Survey, or Retrofit Report?
It depends on your stage:
• EPC Search (Free): Best for quick ideas and browsing.
• Technical Survey (£249): Best if you know what you want (e.g., just a heat pump) and need a specific check.
• Retrofit Report: Best if you are planning a whole-house renovation and need a roadmap.
Compare services Is Retrofit Green independent?
Yes. We are a consultancy, not an installer. We do not take commissions from manufacturers or contractors. This ensures our advice is based on what your home needs, not what we want to sell.
Do you cover my area?
We currently cover the Greater London area and the South East. We are expanding rapidly, so please check our coverage map or contact us if you are outside these areas.
Do you install the work?
No, we are independent consultants. However, we can help you find trusted installers through our Tender Support service.
Retrofit Report
What is a Retrofit Report?
A Retrofit Report is a comprehensive plan for improving your home's energy efficiency. It includes a room-by-room assessment, recommended measures, estimated costs, and potential energy savings.
Is it the same as an EPC?
No. An EPC is a basic compliance check. A Retrofit Report is a deep-dive engineering assessment using PAS 2035 methodology. It models your specific wall build-ups, ventilation, and occupancy to give accurate, not generic, advice.
Will it guarantee an EPC uplift?
While we design measures to improve your EPC rating, the actual uplift depends on the measures you choose to install. Our report will show you the projected EPC rating for different scenarios.
What’s included in the report?
The report includes current performance analysis, a staged improvement plan, cost estimates, payback periods, carbon savings, and guidance on next steps.
How long does it take?
Typically, we can book a survey within a week, and the report is delivered 5-7 working days after the site visit.
Can I use it to get quotes?
Yes. The report includes a 'Scope Summary' designed for builders. If you need more help, our Tender Support service can manage the quoting process for you.
Technical Survey (£249)
What is a Technical Survey?
A targeted inspection focused on specific issues or single measures, such as feasibility for a heat pump, solar PV, or diagnosing damp problems.
Which measures can it cover?
It can cover heat pumps, solar panels, internal/external wall insulation, damp diagnosis, and ventilation systems.
Can it be used for installer quotes?
Yes, it provides the technical specification needed for installers to give accurate quotes for the specific measure assessed.
When should I choose a Retrofit Report instead?
If you are considering multiple measures or a whole-house renovation, a Retrofit Report provides a holistic view and ensures measures work together effectively.
EPC Search tool
How does EPC Search work?
It retrieves public data about your property's energy performance and provides a preliminary overview of potential improvements.
What if my property has no EPC?
You can still use our tools by entering details about your property manually to get an estimated assessment.
How accurate is the provisional report?
It is based on available data and assumptions. For a guaranteed and accurate assessment, a physical survey (Retrofit Report) is required.
Can you turn the provisional report into a plan?
Yes, the provisional report is a great starting point. You can upgrade to a full Retrofit Report to turn it into an actionable plan.
Tender Support
Why aren’t quotes comparable?
Installers often quote for different specifications. We ensure all quotes are for the exact same work, making them directly comparable.
What do you provide during tendering?
We prepare the tender pack, identify suitable contractors, manage site visits, and analyse the returned tenders to recommend the best value.
How many installers do you approach?
We typically approach 3-5 vetted installers to ensure you get a good range of competitive quotes.
Do you take commission from installers?
No, never. We work solely for you.
Delivery Management
Are you the main contractor?
No, we act as your project manager / contract administrator, overseeing the main contractor to ensure quality and compliance.
What do you manage vs what the contractor manages?
We manage the contract, quality control, payments, and timeline. The contractor manages their site, workers, and materials.
How often do you attend site?
Typically weekly or fortnightly, and at key milestones (e.g., before closing up walls).
How do you handle changes/variations?
We assess the validity and cost of any variations before they are approved, protecting you from unjustified extras.
Damp, mould & ventilation
Will insulation make damp worse?
It can, if done poorly (e.g., blocking eaves in a loft). Our assessments explicitly check for moisture risks and always specify ventilation upgrades alongside insulation to ensure your home can 'breathe'.
Do you assess ventilation?
Yes, ventilation strategy is a core part of PAS 2035 and our reports.
What if we already have mould?
We identify the cause of the mould (condensation, rising damp, penetrating damp) and recommend remedial works before or alongside retrofit measures.
Costs & outcomes
How much will retrofit cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the property and measures. Our Retrofit Report gives you estimated costs for each recommended measure.
Will it reduce bills?
Yes, improving efficiency reduces energy demand. However, actual savings depend on future energy prices and how you use your home.
Will it increase property value?
Studies suggest energy-efficient homes can command a premium, but this varies by market and location.
Practicalities
What access do you need?
We need access to all rooms, the loft, and the exterior. We may need to take photos and measurements.
What documents should I share?
Floor plans, previous EPCs, and details of any recent building work are very helpful.
Can you work around tenants?
Yes, we can arrange appointments directly with tenants if you wish.
For Councils & Contractors
B2BCan you align to our templates and reporting cadence?
Yes. During mobilisation, we map our data outputs to your specific Excel/Word templates or CDE requirements.
Do you support occupied programmes?
Yes. We have specific workflows for occupied properties, including resident liaison support for survey access.
What do you need for a proposal?
We need details of the stock profile, volume, timeline, and specific funding requirements (e.g., SHDF, HUG).
Start with clarity.
Or try the free EPC Search tool first.