PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment
PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessments for Homes and Energy-Efficiency Projects
Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd provides professional PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessments for homeowners, landlords, installers, housing providers and organisations undertaking domestic energy-efficiency improvements.
Our qualified Retrofit Assessors carry out a detailed assessment of the dwelling to establish its existing energy performance, construction, condition, ventilation and occupancy characteristics.
The assessment provides the detailed property information required to support appropriate retrofit planning and enables the Retrofit Coordinator and other retrofit professionals to make informed decisions about suitable energy-efficiency improvements.
Need a Retrofit Assessment? Contact our team today.
What is a Retrofit Assessment?
A Retrofit Assessment is a detailed assessment of an existing home carried out as part of the PAS 2035 whole-house retrofit process.
It goes significantly further than a standard Energy Performance Certificate.
The Retrofit Assessor gathers information about the property, its construction, condition, energy performance, ventilation and how the occupants use the home.
This information is then used by the Retrofit Coordinator and other relevant retrofit professionals when considering appropriate improvements to the dwelling.
The purpose is not simply to identify measures that could save energy. It is to develop a proper understanding of the property before retrofit work is planned.
This whole-house approach helps reduce the risk of measures being installed in isolation without considering how they may affect other parts of the building.
What Does a Retrofit Assessment Include?
A PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment brings together several areas of information about the dwelling.
Energy Assessment
The assessor records the information required to understand the existing energy performance of the property.
This typically includes:
- property age and construction;
- walls, roofs, floors;
- windows and doors;
- insulation;
- heating systems and heating controls;
- hot-water systems;
- lighting;
- renewable technologies; and
- relevant building dimensions.
The energy assessment establishes the dwelling's existing energy performance using the applicable methodology and provides important baseline information for the wider retrofit process.
Condition Assessment
Energy-efficiency improvements should not normally be considered without first understanding the condition of the building.
Our Retrofit Assessor visually assesses relevant aspects of the property and records defects or conditions that could affect the proposed retrofit.
These may include:
- dampness;
- condensation;
- mould;
- water penetration;
- defective rainwater goods;
- damaged brickwork or render;
- cracks or deterioration;
- roofing defects;
- defective pointing;
- inadequate drainage;
- signs of structural problems; and
- other maintenance issues relevant to retrofit.
Where significant defects are identified, appropriate repair or further specialist investigation may be required before certain retrofit measures proceed.
Occupancy Assessment
Two apparently identical homes can perform very differently depending on how they are occupied.
The occupancy assessment considers how the household uses the dwelling, including relevant information about:
- typical occupancy patterns;
- heating practices;
- comfort requirements;
- energy use;
- rooms that may be heated differently;
- hot-water use; and
- any particular requirements that may influence retrofit decisions.
Understanding how the home is actually used helps the retrofit team consider solutions appropriate to both the building and its occupants.
Ventilation Assessment
Ventilation is an important part of domestic retrofit.
Improving insulation and airtightness can reduce uncontrolled air leakage. If ventilation is not considered at the same time, there can be an increased risk of poor indoor air quality, condensation and moisture-related problems.
As part of the assessment, the Retrofit Assessor records relevant existing ventilation provisions, which may include:
- background ventilation;
- trickle ventilators;
- extractor fans;
- kitchen extraction;
- bathroom extraction;
- passive ventilation;
- air bricks and vents; and
- other ventilation systems.
Any identified ventilation issues are recorded for consideration within the retrofit process.
Property Measurement & Floor Plan
Accurate property information is essential for effective retrofit planning.
Where required, the Retrofit Assessor records relevant measurements and prepares floor plans showing the layout and building parts of the dwelling.
Measurements may include:
- floor areas;
- external or internal dimensions;
- heat-loss perimeters;
- room heights;
- extensions;
- exposed walls;
- roof areas; and
- other dimensions relevant to the assessment.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs are taken during the assessment to provide evidence of the dwelling's existing condition and construction.
Depending on the property, these may include:
- external elevations;
- walls and construction details;
- windows and doors;
- roof and loft areas;
- heating systems;
- heating controls;
- ventilation systems;
- signs of dampness or defects;
- insulation;
- extensions; and other relevant property features.
These photographs form an important part of the assessment record.
What Happens During a Retrofit Assessment?
Property Inspection
The Retrofit Assessor visits the home and records its age, construction, dimensions, insulation, heating and ventilation.
Condition & Occupancy Assessment
The assessor checks for relevant defects and gathers information about how the property is occupied and heated.
Energy Assessment
The home’s existing energy performance is assessed, supported by measurements, photographs and floor plans.
Retrofit Assessment Report
The findings are compiled into the Retrofit Assessment and provided to the Retrofit Coordinator to support the next stage of the retrofit process.
Retrofit Assessment vs EPC
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Provides an energy-efficiency rating
- Uses an A–G rating
- Primarily assesses energy performance
- Commonly required when selling or renting
- Produces an official EPC valid for 10 years
Retrofit Assessment
- Supports PAS 2035 retrofit planning
-
Assesses energy, condition, occupancy and ventilation
- Provides detailed property information
- Supports the Retrofit Coordinator and retrofit design process
- More comprehensive than a standard EPC
Why is a Retrofit Assessment Important?
Domestic retrofit can involve significant changes to the way a building performs.
Measures such as:
- loft insulation;
- cavity wall insulation;
- solid-wall insulation;
- floor insulation;
- new heating systems;
- heat pumps;
- solar panels;
- improved glazing; and
- ventilation improvements
can interact with one another.
For example, increasing insulation and airtightness may reduce heat loss, but ventilation must also be considered to help manage moisture and indoor air quality.
A Retrofit Assessment provides the starting information needed to understand these interactions before decisions are made about improvements.
The PAS 2035 framework is based on a whole-house approach, considering the interactions between the building fabric, ventilation, heating and other measures rather than treating each improvement independently.
Contact usWho Needs a Retrofit Assessment?
Homeowners
Homeowners considering substantial energy-efficiency improvements may benefit from a comprehensive understanding of their property's existing condition and performance before deciding which measures to install.
Landlords
Landlords looking to improve the energy efficiency of rental properties can use retrofit assessment information to support appropriate improvement planning.
Energy-Efficiency and Funded Schemes
Certain government or energy-supplier funded projects delivered under PAS 2035 require appropriate property assessment and retrofit oversight.
PAS 2030 Installers
We provide Retrofit Assessment support to installers undertaking projects that need to follow the PAS 2035 process.
Housing Providers
Housing associations, local authorities and other housing providers may require Retrofit Assessments across individual properties or larger housing programmes.
Retrofit Assessments for ECO4 and Warm Homes Projects
Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd can support projects delivered through ECO4 and relevant Warm Homes programmes where a PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment is required.
Current ECO4 delivery guidance incorporates PAS 2035/2030 requirements within the delivery framework for relevant projects.
We can work with:
- PAS 2030 installers;
- energy suppliers;
- managing agents;
- contractors;
- Retrofit Coordinators;
- organisations delivering funded energy-efficiency programmes;
- Project delivery partners.
Looking for reliable Retrofit Assessment capacity?
Contact us to discuss your project.
What Happens After the Retrofit Assessment?
The Retrofit Assessment is an important starting point, but it is not the final stage of the retrofit process.
The assessment information is provided to the Retrofit Coordinator, who oversees the retrofit project and considers the information alongside the requirements of PAS 2035.
Depending on the project, subsequent stages may include:
Assessment Review
The Retrofit Coordinator reviews the Retrofit Assessment findings, property condition and identified risks.
Improvement Planning & Design
Suitable energy-efficiency measures are considered and, where required, a retrofit design and improvement plan are developed.
Installation of Measures
Approved retrofit measures are installed by appropriately qualified installers in accordance with the project requirements.
Quality Assurance & Handover
The completed works are checked, commissioned and documented, with appropriate handover information provided to the occupant.
Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd also provides Retrofit Coordination services, allowing us to support projects beyond the assessment stage.
Learn more about our Retrofit Coordination services →
Why Choose Green Energy and EPC Services?
Domestic Energy Assessment Expertise
Strong practical understanding of RdSAP, EPCs, building construction and domestic energy performance.
Experience with PAS 2035 Projects
Support for homeowners, landlords, PAS 2030 installers and organisations delivering funded retrofit programmes.
Qualified Retrofit Assessors
Assessments undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals experienced in PAS 2035 and domestic energy assessment.
Assessment + Coordination Capability
Access to both Retrofit Assessment and Retrofit Coordination services, providing continuity through the retrofit process.
Retrofit Assessments in Leicester and Beyond
Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd is based in Leicester and provides professional Retrofit Assessment services for homeowners, landlords, installers and organisations across Leicester and surrounding areas, with wider project support available depending on requirements.
Whether you require a single domestic Retrofit Assessment or ongoing assessment capacity for a portfolio of PAS 2035 projects, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Retrofit Assessment?
A Retrofit Assessment is a detailed assessment of an existing home carried out to provide the information required for appropriate retrofit planning under PAS 2035.
It considers the property's energy performance, construction, condition, ventilation and occupancy characteristics.
What is PAS 2035?
PAS 2035 is the recognised UK framework for managing the retrofit of existing domestic buildings.
It establishes a whole-house approach to retrofit and defines responsibilities for professionals including Retrofit Assessors, Retrofit Coordinators and Retrofit Designers.
The current framework is PAS 2035:2023. Government guidance describes PAS 2035 as establishing a whole-house approach intended to take account of interactions between measures such as building fabric, heating and ventilation.
What does a Retrofit Assessor do?
A Retrofit Assessor visits the property and gathers detailed information required by the retrofit process.
This can include an energy assessment, condition assessment, occupancy assessment, ventilation information, measurements, floor plans and photographic evidence.
The assessment data is then provided for use by the Retrofit Coordinator and other relevant retrofit professionals.
Is a Retrofit Assessment the same as an EPC?
No.
An EPC primarily provides an energy-efficiency rating and recommendations.
A Retrofit Assessment is more detailed and examines additional factors such as the condition of the building, occupancy and ventilation so that the property can be considered appropriately for retrofit.
How long does a Retrofit Assessment take?
The time required depends on the size, complexity and construction of the dwelling.
A larger property, multiple extensions, unusual construction or significant defects may require more assessment time than a simple property.
We can provide further information when arranging your appointment.
Does the Retrofit Assessor recommend what should be installed?
The Retrofit Assessor's primary role is to gather and record reliable information about the existing dwelling.
The wider retrofit strategy, selection and specification of measures are considered through the subsequent PAS 2035 process involving the Retrofit Coordinator and, where applicable, Retrofit Designer.
What will the assessor need access to?
The assessor will generally need access to all relevant areas of the dwelling, including:
- living areas;
- bedrooms;
- heating systems;
- hot-water systems;
- windows and doors;
- ventilation systems;
- loft access where applicable;
- extensions;
- meters and controls; and
- external elevations.
Safe and reasonable access should be available to allow an accurate assessment.
Where the loft is relevant to the assessment, the assessor may need to inspect it from a safe accessible position in accordance with appropriate health and safety procedures.
The assessor will not undertake destructive investigation.
What documents should I provide?
If available, useful supporting evidence may include:
- previous EPCs;
- building plans;
- planning documents;
- Building Regulations documents;
- insulation certificates;
- window installation certificates;
- boiler documentation;
- renewable-energy certificates;
- guarantees;
- invoices for previous energy-efficiency work; and
- other reliable evidence relating to the construction or improvement of the property.
Documentary evidence can help the assessor accurately establish property characteristics that may not be visually verifiable.
Can you provide Retrofit Assessments for ECO4?
Yes.
We can provide Retrofit Assessment services for relevant ECO4 and PAS 2035 projects, subject to the requirements and arrangements of the particular project.
Do you work with PAS 2030 installers?
Yes.
We can provide assessment services to installers and other organisations requiring Retrofit Assessments as part of their retrofit delivery process.
Please contact us if you require ongoing assessment capacity.
Can you also provide Retrofit Coordination?
Yes.
Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd provides both Retrofit Assessment and Retrofit Coordination services.
This allows us to support clients at multiple stages of the PAS 2035 process.
Can a Retrofit Assessment identify problems with my property?
The assessment includes consideration of the existing condition of the dwelling.
Where visible defects or issues relevant to retrofit are identified, these will be recorded.
A Retrofit Assessment is not, however, a structural survey, invasive building survey or specialist damp survey. Where specialist investigation is required, this may need to be undertaken separately by an appropriately qualified professional.
Book a Retrofit Assessment
If you require a professional PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment for your home, installation project or energy-efficiency programme, contact Green Energy and EPC Services Ltd.
We work with homeowners, landlords, installers and organisations requiring reliable domestic retrofit assessment services.
Contact us today to arrange a Retrofit Assessment or discuss ongoing assessment requirements for your projects.