need to know
Improving retrofit standards
In general terms, retrofit refers to making improvements to existing domestic properties, with a focus on upgrading their energy performance. In practice, we should consider retrofit measures as home improvements – hopefully something that will reduce overall energy usage, but also provide more thermal comfort, a healthier living environment, reduce ongoing bills and possibly add value to your home.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the professional body for surveyors worldwide, setting criterion for the industry and regulating the property, infrastructure and construction sectors. Earlier this year, RICS issued the Residential Retrofit Standard (RRS) – providing a framework for members of RICS to offer more structured and effective domestic retrofit services to clients. It’s aimed at homeowners of all types and sets out guidelines for the full retrofit process – from inception to completion. The standard establishes a clear framework for carrying out a successful retrofit project by setting out the key stages and steps that should be followed. The process starts with a client brief, an assessment of the existing property, evaluation of the most suitable measures, the design of these measures, their installation and finally, an evaluation.