[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” padding_top_1=”80px” padding_top_bottom_link_1=”false” padding_left_right_link_1=”false” admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”64px” title_line_height=”1.2em” title_font_size_tablet=”50px” title_font_size_phone=”24px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”600px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
We\u2019re all familiar with the Time | Cost | Quality triangle, key to the selection of any construction procurement route. You want things done quickly, cheaply and to the highest standard. But in one of life\u2019s many disappointments, you can only ever achieve two out of these three outcomes. We can console ourselves however, that for the most part, two out of three ain\u2019t bad.<\/span><\/p>\n In retrofit, we\u2019re faced with a similar dilemma where you must weigh up your priorities, because you simply can\u2019t have it all. Unlike the other famous \u2018Choices\u2019 \u2013 I\u2019m looking at you Hobson\u2019s & Sophie\u2019s \u2013 in retrofit, there are varied positive outcomes to aspire for, it\u2019s just about how you get there.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/00-Appetite-for-Disruption.jpg” alt=”00 Appetite for Disruption” title_text=”00 Appetite for Disruption” admin_label=”Image 00″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”|-9vw|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Quote Section” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 70%|#00c4cc 70%” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_start_position=”70%” background_color_gradient_end=”#00c4cc” background_color_gradient_end_position=”0%” custom_padding=”50px||3px||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”#ffffff 95%|#00c4cc 95%” background_color_gradient_start_position_phone=”95%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”900px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/magazine-18.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Cardo||||||||” text_text_color=”#2a2a2a” text_font_size=”42px” text_line_height=”1.4em” text_orientation=”right” text_font_size_tablet=”36px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This article delves into the role disruption plays in matching problems with solutions in retrofit projects, and how some scenarios can help mitigate the effects of disruption for our clients.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”6px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/01-Choices.jpg” alt=”01 Choices” title_text=”01 Choices” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 01″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro 02″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When assessing retrofit options for my clients I use impact (primarily related to comfort), carbon reduction, cost and disruption as the four key yardsticks. If you expect a noticeable improvement in comfort matched by high carbon savings, low cost and low disruption, you\u2019ll generally be disappointed. Three out of four is possible with some measures, but two can also equal a good result.<\/span><\/p>\n This article delves into the role disruption plays in matching problems with solutions, and how some scenarios can help mitigate the effects of disruption for our clients, achieving more than they originally thought possible. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”It\u2019s So Easy” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All homes have a bunch of easy wins that can be actioned at low cost with low disruption by homeowners as DIY projects. Each will only deliver a tiny reduction in energy bills and carbon savings, but together they can add up, which is why they are still actively encouraged. Having a few softballs is also good for the soul, so adding brush seals to a letterbox or insulation to the back of a loft hatch won\u2019t save the planet, but is a step in the right direction. Every little helps.<\/span><\/p>\n Clients can sometimes have unrealistic expectations of the retrofit process, so discussing disruption is a good way to test their mettle. I once inadvertently used the phrase \u2018appetite for disruption\u2019 with a client and made her chuckle – possibly due to the unintended similarity to Guns N\u2019 Roses debut. When assessing the big impact measures, disruption comes into play along with \u2018time\u2019 because if something takes a long time to install, it also causes disruption as a by-product.<\/span><\/p>\n It is fair to say that once any easy wins have been found, it’s the big-ticket items where the larger impacts are made. They are naturally more expensive and can become exaggerated in a big house. These types of upgrades might require a short decant of a room (best case) or the whole house (worst case). The proverb writers may have had retrofit in mind when they came up with \u2018no pain, no gain\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Welcome to the Jungle” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Major home projects often coincide with key life moments like moving into a new home, the arrival of a baby, or the kids leaving for university. Other so-called \u2018trigger points\u2019 include renovating kitchens and bathrooms, extending or knocking around the internal layout. The idea is that these come with a built-in dose of disruption, so try and pack in as many things at once to minimise the pain. Doing any of these independently will naturally inflate the level of disruption.<\/span><\/p>\n In reality, this approach only works if you know of these opportunities up front. If you\u2019ve just installed a new \u00a320K kitchen with imported Italian floor tiles and didn\u2019t think to insulate the floor below \u2013 that ship has sailed until the next occupants decide they\u2019re more into timber effect, and rip it out again. 20 years of cold floors could be the result.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why assessing a property before plans get too far developed helps to root out all the potential upgrades. This can happen now, even if you have no immediate plans to do anything. Planting the seed in a homeowner\u2019s mind means it won\u2019t be overlooked when the time comes. The time, cost and disruption can be built in, so it doesn\u2019t come as a surprise, or as an unexpected cost extra.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some examples of grasping the opportunity are:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/03-Welcome-to-the-Jungle.jpg” alt=”03 Welcome to the Jungle” title_text=”03 Welcome to the Jungle” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 02″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”You Could Be Mine” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Client\u2019s motivations ultimately drive a retrofit project. As well as matching what is technically possible for each home, any retrofit professional will also be matching measures to the individuals concerned. In my experience, the most common reasons to explore retrofit are increasing comfort (not unsurprising in our leaky UK building stock), saving money on bills (highlighted by recent energy price increases) and getting off gas (as they understand the negative impact this makes). Although most clients are climate conscious, few place saving carbon as their primary motivator. This is understandable as it is far less tangible than cold toes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Short-terms plans can have a big influence. \u2018We are thinking of extending\u2019 is a good way of introducing retrofit options. Rather than simply adding space, the extension can help solve the problems of the existing home. It could mean a change to underfloor heating across the ground floor, whole house ventilation moving air from front to back or encapsulating old, poorly insulated walls within new external fabric. Architects who are also Retrofit Coordinators are a dual threat \u2013 or triple threat with a Detail Library subscription.<\/span><\/p>\n If a homeowner is confident in DIY, then a list of easy wins can be gobbled up over a few weekends. For an elderly person living alone, insulating a loft is technically an easy win, but will require external assistance, adding complexity to the process and sometimes, sadly, rogue elements. People who are vulnerable or have disabilities will need help to make any level of improvements and disruption on day-to-day routines can have a higher impact. Careful planning and temporarily vacating the home could be a way to minimize the disruption and distress that may result. No one enjoys living on a building site, even more so if you are at home all the time.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Anything Goes” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For a typical retrofit being undertaken in an occupied home, we can draw up a list of measures categorised by disruption to use as a starting point. Highly disruptive measures tend to be either long-term goals or sometimes hard to recommend even if technically possible due to the upheaval they cause. You\u2019ll note the instant correlation between High disruption and High cost:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/DLR11-IWI-existing-suspended-ground-floor-3D.jpg” alt=”DLR11 IWI existing suspended ground floor 3D” title_text=”DLR11 IWI existing suspended ground floor 3D” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 03″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”High” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The outlier here is insulating heating pipes, which is not an expensive task, and would hopefully be bundled into a package with floor insulation upgrades.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medium” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Replacing windows and doors is certainly high cost, but as these are done room-by-room, the disruption is managed and limited to discreet areas. Scaffolding would be needed for upper floors, but this does not affect day-to-day life. If access was very tricky, this would push this measure into the High band.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DLR1-1.jpg” alt=”DLR1″ title_text=”DLR1″ align=”center” admin_label=”Image 04″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/DLR19-IWI-to-solid-masonry-extension-plan-detail-3D.jpg” alt=”DLR19 IWI to solid masonry extension plan detail 3D” title_text=”DLR19 IWI to solid masonry extension plan detail 3D” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 05″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Low” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For low disruption measures, the size of the property could be the factor that raises the disruption or cost level, particularly with CWI and EWI. However, for the most part, being fully external, they can be done with little impact on the occupants.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Anything Goes 02″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clearly the cumulative impact of a package of measures tends to raise the disruption as more areas of the home are impacted. The junctions between measures becomes important as the common point of failure. The Detail Library is packed with helpful details for fabric upgrades and airtightness improvements to ensure continuity at these interfaces. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/05-10-Oct24-DLR1-10-Retrofit-Internal-Wall-Insulation.png” alt=”05 10 Oct24 DLR1-10 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation” title_text=”05 10 Oct24 DLR1-10 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 04″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Patience” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before jumping into installation, the purpose of the retrofit plan (indeed the whole PAS2035 process) is to exercise some caution and make sure no opportunities have been overlooked. Reviewing your options will help to triage down a bespoke list.<\/span><\/p>\n We can safely say that the best retrofit measures are those which either:<\/span><\/p>\n This is why measures like loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are so favoured as the first major fabric improvements to invest in; they have a high impact on heat retention for low disruption. If the home is small to average size, then it should also not be hugely expensive, achieving three out of four of the key goals.<\/span><\/p>\n When the government first launched the boiler upgrade scheme, it was a requirement that homeowners could only qualify if these items had been implemented first. This has now been dropped but is still encouraged. You can understand the logic here in promoting the use of these lower cost options first. These measures will help the effectiveness of a heat pump installation too, and should be done beforehand to reduce the heating demand and size of the heat pump\u2019s power output.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Don\u2019t Cry” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When money is tight and time is limited, clients have a genuine fear of doing the wrong thing in the wrong order leading to poor outcomes, extra costs and abortive work. This is where the professionals can help. Even those with boundless ambition rarely have bottomless pockets, so a phased retrofit is the most common approach. These strategies balance getting the home comfortable enough in the short term whilst allowing each successive move to be an improvement, without needing to backtrack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The retrofit dream is to buy an empty property and do it up without the hassle of having to live in it at the same time. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with clients who are buying a property (sometimes their first home) and need to undertake a large renovation to just make it habitable. If the home has no central heating, lacks basic infrastructure (wiring, pipework) and requires external repairs, then basically every retrofit measure is on the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Don\u2019t Cry” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This type of retrofit sidesteps disruption, because the whole process will be disruptive and no individual measure needs to take the blame. The blank canvas project allows two main routes:<\/span><\/p>\n In these scenarios, the retrofit plans are informed by prioritising the disruptive works while everything is uncovered, stripped back and disassembled. Starting with necessary repairs, you help identify each opportunity to build energy improvements into these works. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/01-Appetite-for-Disruption.png” alt=”06 12 Dec24 DLR11-22 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation P2″ title_text=”01 Appetite for Disruption” align=”center” admin_label=”Image 08″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Don\u2019t Cry” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These might include:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/06-12-Dec24-DLR11-22-Retrofit-Internal-Wall-Insulation-P2.png” alt=”06 12 Dec24 DLR11-22 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation P2″ title_text=”06 12 Dec24 DLR11-22 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation P2″ align=”center” admin_label=”Image 05″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”You\u2019re Crazy” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For most occupied homes, MVHR is simply too disruptive to be a realistic option. It requires space for the main unit (roofs are often full of storage) and ductwork routes needed from the ground floor ceilings, through first floor rooms back to the roof. It can be done, but is often rolled back to more manageable ventilation strategies like MEV.<\/span><\/p>\n In a blank canvas retrofit, the option to explore MVHR is also massively increased. MVHR is the gold standard for ventilation and high internal air quality. In a vacant property, the disruption factor is zero, and many clients have progressed an MVHR solution once they understand the benefits it brings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Getting the system in place is the main first step. The heat recovery side is not always prioritised short-term, but as other measures follow that make the home more airtight and better insulated, this only become more efficient. Also, by negating individual extract fans for kitchens and bathrooms, it may even create a few modest savings.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Use Your Illusion” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Introducing the virtues of MVHR on a blank canvas project is a great example of the benefits a retrofit professional can bring to a project when engaged at the right stage. Bringing new solutions to the table, they can help to positively impact the way a home is renovated, and with it, the way people live – in this this case literally down to the air they breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n Knowing how to group measures together to minimise the impact whilst seeing tangible benefits is a learned skill. Getting a handle on your client\u2019s appetite for disruption along with other motivations will ensure careful choices populate any bespoke retrofit plan, sending everybody straight to Paradise City.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#00C4CC” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related Reading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”75px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||100px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fabric-Upgrades-and-Heat-Pumps-\u2013-Finding-the-Sweet-Spot.jpg” alt=”Fabric Upgrades and Heat Pumps \u2013 Finding the Sweet Spot” title_text=”Fabric Upgrades and Heat Pumps \u2013 Finding the Sweet Spot” url=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/fabric-upgrades-and-heat-pumps-finding-the-sweet-spot\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/39-Retrofit-Design-for-Moisture-Open-Moisture-Closed-Constructions-1.jpg” alt=”39 Retrofit Design for Moisture Open & Moisture Closed Constructions” title_text=”39 Retrofit Design for Moisture Open & Moisture Closed Constructions” url=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/retrofit-design-for-moisture-open-moisture-closed-constructions\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/The-Evolution-of-PAS-2035.jpg” alt=”The Evolution of PAS 2035″ title_text=”The Evolution of PAS 2035″ url=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/the-evolution-of-pas-2035\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||100px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/35-Retrofit-Internal-Wall-Insulation.jpg” alt=”35 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation” title_text=”35 Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation” url=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/retrofit-internal-wall-insulation\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/37-Victorian-House-Retrofit-Case-Study.jpg” alt=”37 Victorian House Retrofit Case Study” title_text=”37 Victorian House Retrofit Case Study” url=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/victorian-house-retrofit-case-study\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Alex Bell Author Bio” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”||||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_module=”276036″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/detail-library.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Alex-Bell-Authors-Profile-Image.png” alt=”Alex Bell Author’s Profile Image” title_text=”Alex Bell Author’s Profile Image” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”50%” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Author” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”99%” content_max_width=”1100px” admin_label=”Author bio” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_padding=”|75px|||false|false” image_max_width=”99%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Written by Alex Bell, Retrofit Architect, Retrofit Coordinator and Passivhaus Designer with 25 years\u2019 experience of design and construction. Alex practises low energy, sustainable design using the Passivhaus principles, EnerPHit or the PAS 2035 Retrofit approach.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019re all familiar with the Time | Cost | Quality triangle, key to the selection of any construction procurement route. You want things done quickly, cheaply and to the highest standard. But in one of life\u2019s many disappointments, you can only ever achieve two out of these three outcomes. We can console ourselves however, that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1483,"featured_media":355901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-354714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technical"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nIt\u2019s So Easy<\/h2>\n
Welcome to the Jungle<\/h2>\n
\n
You Could Be Mine<\/h2>\n
Anything Goes<\/h2>\n
High<\/h3>\n
\n
Medium<\/h3>\n
\n
Low<\/h3>\n
\n
Patience<\/h2>\n
\n
Don\u2019t Cry<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
You\u2019re Crazy<\/h2>\n
Use Your Illusion<\/h2>\n
Related Reading<\/h2>\n