Retrofit Assessors: What Do They Do?

As delivering retrofit becomes increasingly important in the push towards energy-efficient homes and net zero, retrofit projects have gained attention. A key player in this process is the retrofit assessor. But what exactly do retrofit assessors do, and why is their role so crucial to the success of a retrofit?

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• A breakdown of the Retrofit Assessor’s role
• Why assessors are essential to every retrofit project
• How we deliver assessments that exceed industry standards

Who are Retrofit Assessors?

A retrofit assessor is a trained professional tasked with assessing the energy performance, condition and occupancy of a building. Through detailed, full-condition property surveys, they gather the essential data needed to guide the decisions made by a retrofit coordinator or retrofit designer. Their work helps determine the best energy-saving measures for a property, taking into account the building and its inhabitants’ unique characteristics.

Whether dealing with older homes that must be retrofitted sympathetically to their architectural features or more modern properties with up to date systems, the assessor’s job is to collect comprehensive data on the properties unique features, which can be passed on to the coordinator or designer. The extensive data collected on-site by the retrofit assessor can be used to inform decisions that will improve energy efficiency, cut down carbon emissions, and lower utility costs. Retrofit assessors ensure that all recommendations comply with PAS 2035, the UK’s standard for domestic retrofit, which guarantees that improvements are safe, effective, and sustainable.

What Do Retrofit Assessors Do?

The job of a retrofit assessor involves much more than basic property surveys, focusing on ensuring that each property is fully prepared for energy-efficiency upgrades.

The retrofit assessment provides the crucial first steps for a retrofit project, establishing a foundation of information to enable retrofit designers and co-ordinators to best decide which measures are appropriate for a property. If this assessment is not carried out to a high standard, the ripples are felt throughout the whole project.

Stanley Taylor, Lead Retrofit assessor

Here’s a breakdown of their core responsibilities:

1. Conducting a Full Property Survey: Retrofit assessors visit homes to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the building’s energy performance. They examine elements like insulation, ventilation, and heating systems to identify areas for improvement.
2. Evaluating the Building’s Condition: Beyond energy efficiency, assessors look at the overall condition of the building, from its structural integrity to issues like damp, mould, or other defects that could affect retrofitting efforts.
3. Evaluating the Building’s Occupancy: Integral to understanding what retrofit measures are appropriate for a property is the Occupancy assessment. Understanding how the occupants use the building, how many people occupy the space and any special considerations needed in regards to this information. 
4. Providing Critical Data for Retrofit Designers: The detailed insights they gather feed directly into the planning phase, where retrofit coordinators and designers use this data to decide which energy efficiency measures should be installed. This data is invaluable for retrofit coordinators and designers. It helps them determine which energy-saving measures are feasible and what limitations might affect the final design. Without this detailed insight, the overall retrofit plan would lack precision, risking inefficiencies or potential non-compliance with PAS 2035.
5. Considering Heritage and Architectural Constraints: For properties in conservation areas or with historical significance, retrofit assessors must consider architectural limitations and identify what can and can’t be altered without compromising the building’s character.
6. Reporting on Existing Installations: Assessors also identify any energy efficiency measures that may have already been installed, ensuring that new upgrades complement existing systems.
7. Delivering Actionable Reports: After their assessment, the retrofit assessor prepares a detailed report outlining potential improvements, along with a condition survey, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and occupancy assessment. This document is essential for guiding the next steps in the retrofit process.

The Importance of PAS 2035 in Retrofit Assessment

The PAS 2035 standard is essential for ensuring that retrofits are carried out methodically and safely. Compliance with this standard helps ensure that energy-saving measures work as intended and meet the long-term performance goals of the property. Retrofit assessors play a critical role in aligning projects with PAS 2035, making sure that the recommendations are suitable and effective.

What Our Retrofit Assessors Do Differently 

We believe that a retrofit assessment should go beyond the basics. A retrofit assessment is not just a formality – it’s the foundation for a successful retrofit. Here’s what sets us apart from other assessors in the field:

1. Holistic Approach: We look at more than just energy performance. Our assessments consider the property as a whole—its history, architecture, and future needs—ensuring that any improvements align with the building’s unique context.
2. Bridging the Performance Gap: One of the biggest challenges in retrofitting is ensuring that the upgrades work as intended. We specialise in bridging the gap between “as designed” and “as built,” ensuring that your property performs as expected.
3. Expertise with Heritage Properties: Our team are all qualified and experienced in heritage and historical property retrofit assessments, so we know how to navigate these complexities while still achieving significant energy savings. In heritage properties, even minor design changes can have significant impacts. Our expertise ensures that what is planned on paper matches what’s delivered in reality.
4. Award-winning Service: Our commitment to excellence has been recognised with industry awards, highlighting the high standards we bring to every project. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier, innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each building. Our award-winning approach is not just about compliance; it’s about setting new standards for what can be achieved in retrofitting.
5. Data Collection: All of our assessors are accredited with both Elmhurst and ECMK and are trained to carry out retrofit assessments on a variety of different apps to suit our clients’ needs. We have also produced our own bespoke Retrofit Assessment data collection app, which allows our assessors to collect a wide breadth of data and tailor the assessment to the specific property. This tailored approach means that no detail is overlooked, ensuring that every energy-saving measure is customised to maximise both efficiency and cost savings.
6. Comprehensive Reports: Our reports go beyond the basics. We provide actionable, data-driven insights that allow the retrofit coordinators and designers to make informed decisions about which energy-saving measures will deliver the best results for the property.

For more information on our approach to retrofit assessments, you can check out our Head of Retrofit’s Futurebuild presentation here, where he discusses our techniques and strategies.

What’s Next?

The role of a retrofit assessor is crucial – from conducting detailed property surveys to ensuring PAS 2035 compliance, they provide the foundation for energy efficiency improvements. 

When you choose our assessors, you’re not just getting assessments—you’re gaining a partner committed to ensuring your retrofits deliver real, measurable results. Let us help you make the right decisions for your properties with our award-winning service. Contact us today for a quote tailored to your specific project requirements, and ensure your retrofits are a success from the start.

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