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When we set out to retrofit our 1930s home, we weren’t just upgrading a property, we became self-builders, managing the project from start to finish while working closely with experienced builders and specialists. Our home had serious underlying issues:- poor insulation, leaky windows, damp, black mould and draughts that made it uncomfortable, unhealthy and expensive to heat. Rather than applying quick fixes, we were determined to uncover and address the root causes of these problems to create a home that was truly energy-efficient, healthy and built to last.

 

This wasn’t just a renovation- it was a complete transformation. We followed a Fabric First Approach, focusing on increasing insulation, airtightness and improving ventilation before considering additional heating or renewable energy solutions.

Success in retrofitting isn’t just about good materials- it’s about the intense attention to detail in installation. Every junction, every seal, every layer of insulation had to be precisely fitted to eliminate thermal bridges and ensure airtightness.

Our retrofit journey: understanding our homes fabric failings and agreeing the best solutions to self-build a warmer, more efficient family home

Our professional expertise played a key role in making this retrofit a success:

  • We became Hands-On Self-Builders: We took an active role in installation, decision-making, snagging and troubleshooting.

  • With our Technical & Construction Knowledge: We understood best materials, airtightness strategies and retrofit best practices.

  • Meeting our Statutority Requirements: Compilation & submission of the required Building Regulation Application by design.HINDOVER

  • We Project Managed: We co-ordinated trades, budgets and timelines while problem-solving on-site.

  • We collaborated with Builders & Specialists: We worked alongside experts to ensure high-quality execution.

  • We have achieved better Sustainability by future proofing our home: We designed for efficiency, durability, giving us less fossil fuel usage with lower running costs and a well ventilated and healthier internal living environment. .

Follow Our Journey

I’ve been documenting our exploration of the original house, identifying its weaknesses. I will be showcasing all the fabric upgrades we’ve carried out to date. If you’re interested in uncovering existing common faced issues and seeing the retrofit process unfold, scroll through the photos below, where you'll see detailed insights into: •The hidden fabric defects and issues we uncovered in our 1930s home •How we tackled and achieved improved insulation, better airtightness, no cold bridging & well managed ventilation There are step-by-step guides on internal (skeilings & attic space) & external (wall) insulation, triple glazed windows and door and new warm flat roof installation that show how we transformed our home. By carefully diagnosing and addressing the true issues, we’ve created a comfortable, quiet and energy-efficient space with fresh air, stable temperatures and significantly lower bills. We no longer freeze in the winter or overheat in the summer. I’m sharing our story to inspire and inform others considering a deep retrofit or self-build journey. Whether you’re planning small improvements or a full-scale transformation, we hope our experience helps you take the next step with confidence. Thinking about upgrading your home? Let’s talk about where you might start.

​Scroll the photos of the the underlaying problems we uncovered in our home's fabric

#EnergyEfficiency #HeatingSystemUpgrade #AirSourceHeatPumpInstallation #UnderfloorHeating #GreenHomeUpgrades #SustainableHomeImprovements #HouseExtension #HomeAddition #ExtendYourHome #LivingSpaceExtension #OpenFloorPlan #FloorPlanChange #SpacePlanning #CustomHomeDesign #LivingSpaceExpansion #OutdoorLivingSpace #Utility #Laundry #Larder

existingGROUNDfloor                                        existingFIRSTfloor

existingSIDEelevation                                         exFRONTelevation

existingLONGsection                                          exCROSSsection

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