Elivate are a member of Trustmark, via the Federation of Master Builders and we are always discussing with our clients about improving their properties to make them more energy-efficient.
Our host Anna Harper asked me to give my top tips on easy wins on how to create warmer healthier homes (or cooler in the Summer months) quickly and cheaply and my advice is always the same:
- Draught-proofing, this is a very simple way to reduce your energy bills and warm up your home, look at your windows and doors and seal them properly.
- Loft insulation, 300mm and keep it light and fluffy, if you are getting your loft boarded, there are some loft feet/loft legs you can add to the joists that raise the boards to make sure your insulation remains open and airy. (A good builder will always make these recommendations) also, make sure that you lay 150mm in the same direction as the joists and 150mm in the opposing direction.
- Turn down your thermostat. You will be surprised how much can be saved by turning it down a degree of two.
I did suggest some of the more expensive investments but then it’s time to get in an expert. It was wonderful to hear back from Chris O’Brien from Nat West, when talking about getting a trusted adviser, he said “We all need a Mark in our lives “
My final suggestion was to encourage architects when designing any home improvements, to encourage clients to look at their whole home and advise customers on upgrading and making changes while there are builders in their home, also to give suggestions on benefits and unintentional consequences.
Maybe a customer can’t afford to install solar PV along with their extension, but you can help to future-proof by preparing the electrics as part of the work being carried out and then when the customer can afford that next investment, all of the electrics are in place.
If you are looking for a trusted builder to discuss some of these options or you are an architect who needs a quote for a client you are working with, please give me a call.