Domestic Retrofit: What People Get Wrong

(And How to Get It Right)

Domestic retrofit what people get wrong. Hmm! Let’s be honest — Domestic Retrofit isn’t just about ticking boxes or installing shiny new kit. It’s about making homes warmer, healthier, and more energy efficient without causing unintended problems down the line. But too often, we see the same mistakes cropping up again and again.

Here’s a breakdown of what people tend to get wrong — and how to avoid falling into those traps.

🏠 Mistake #1: Treating Retrofit Like a Shopping List

“Let’s whack some insulation in, upgrade the boiler, maybe throw in a heat pump…”
Sound familiar?

Too many retrofits are done piecemeal, without thinking about how the measures interact. That’s how you end up with condensation in the loft, cold bridging around windows, or a house that’s airtight but stuffy.

What to do instead:
Take a whole-house approach. PAS 2035 isn’t just red tape — it’s there to make sure everything works together. Think of it like building a team: every measure has to play its part.

🌬️ Mistake #2: Forgetting About Ventilation

You’d be amazed how often ventilation gets overlooked. We seal up homes to keep the heat in, but without proper airflow, we’re trapping moisture, pollutants, and stale air.

What to do instead:
Always consider ventilation when improving airtightness. Constant flow MEV and MVHR systems aren’t just for fancy new builds — they’re essential for maintaining indoor air quality in retrofitted homes.

🧱 Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Materials on Older Buildings

Here’s a classic: someone slaps foam insulation or cement render on a solid-wall Victorian terrace. Fast forward a few months, and the walls are damp, the paint’s peeling, and the homeowner’s wondering what went wrong.

What to do instead:
Respect the building. Traditional homes need breathable materials. If it’s solid brick or stone, think lime plaster, wood fibre insulation, and other vapour-permeable solutions.

📋 Mistake #4: Skipping the Paperwork (or Getting It Wrong)

We’ve seen it all — missing photos, dodgy RdSAP inputs from a new Retrofit assessor, a new Retrofit Coordinator involved, or evidence that wouldn’t pass a basic audit. That’s how funding gets clawed back and projects fall apart.

What to do instead:
Instead of doing domestic Retrofit (What People Get Wrong) you have to get your documentation right. Follow PAS 2035, involve qualified professionals, and make sure every measure is backed up with solid evidence. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about protecting your work.

🧠 Mistake #5: Ignoring How People Actually Live

You can install the best tech in the world, but if the homeowner doesn’t understand it — or doesn’t use it properly — it won’t perform. Retrofit isn’t just technical; it’s behavioural.

What to do instead with domestic retrofit:

Engage with the occupants. Explain how to use new systems, provide simple guides, and check in post-installation. Retrofit should improve lives, not confuse people.

🤝 Mistake #6: Poor Communication Between Teams

Retrofit involves assessors, coordinators, installers, suppliers, and clients. If they’re not talking to each other, things go wrong — delays, disputes, and design flaws. Don’t assume as you make and ASS out of U and ME…

What to do instead:

Build strong communication channels. Use shared platforms, hold regular check-ins, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Collaboration is key.

✅ Getting Domestic Retrofit Right

Domestic retrofit isn’t just about meeting targets — it’s about doing things properly. That means planning, communicating, and respecting both the building and the people who live in it.

At ECO4 Gurus, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. But we also know what great retrofit looks like — and we’re here to help make it happen.

I remember starting in this industry of domestic retrofit and struggling to understand what I should do to be compliant. There is no book to read how to ‘Actually’ work as a competent Retrofit coordinator, so I had to learn from my own mistakes. But I tell you now, although its great to learn from your own mistakes, it’s a lot better to learn from someone else’s…

If you need any help in ECO and Retrofit just reach out to us on 0151 374 0044 or email me direct on Andrew.foote@eco4gurus.co.uk.