What is retrofit?
Retrofit simply means upgrading existing homes to make them warmer, more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. These improvements help reduce heat loss, improve comfort and lower energy bills, while also supporting environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions. The overall aim of retrofit works is to improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, with a target of achieving EPC band “C” where possible. An EPC rating shows how energy-efficient a home is. Moving towards EPC C helps homes stay warmer for longer, reduces energy use and supports national targets to cut carbon emissions.
What types of improvements might be installed?
Not every home will receive the same measures. The works may include a combination of improvements such as:
- Wall Insulation (EWI) – insulation added to your home to help keep heat in
- Loft Insulation – Loft insulation helps keep heat inside your home by reducing heat loss through the roof
- Solar PV panels – panels that generate electricity from sunlight to help power your home
- Improved ventilation including new fans, trickle vents and door ventilation– to help manage moisture and reduce condensation helping prevent Damp and Mould
- Other energy-efficiency upgrades – designed to improve comfort and performance
The exact measures installed will depend on your home and its current condition.
How is it decided what work my home will receive?
If your home is part of the programme, the first step will be a retrofit survey. This is a detailed assessment of your home carried out by a qualified surveyor. The survey looks at how your home is built, how it performs now, and what improvements will provide the most benefit.
What happens next?
Once the retrofit survey has been completed:
- A Fortem Customer Liaison Officer will contact you
- Further surveys may be arranged if required
- The Customer Liaison Officer will book an induction with you, where the works will be explained clearly, including what will happen, how long it will take, and what to expect day to day
- You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions before any work begins
Keeping you informed
Our Customer Liaison Officer will support you throughout the process, keeping you informed and ensuring you understand each stage of the works. We are committed to delivering these improvements safely, considerately, and with minimal disruption.
If your home is included in the programme, you will be contacted directly with more information.