Retrofit assessment
A retrofit assessment is the process of surveying, inspecting, assessing and recording the relevant characteristics of an existing dwelling ...in order to provide sufficient information for the preparation of a retrofit. This role is mentioned in PAS 2035, which is the British Standard for retrofitting dwellings, first published in 2019, and most recently in 2023, it outlines how retrofit projects should be managed and delivered.
Figures by the Trustmark from November 24, indicate that some 225k retrofit assessments have already been carried out in the UK. Following the PAS standard a piece of work regarding a standard for UK retrofit was started by RICS and published in their document 'Residential retrofit standard: RICS Professional Standard UK, as a 1st edition in March 2024, effective from 31 October 2024.
The BS 40104 Assessment of dwellings for retrofit, will effectively formalise and expand on this work, the new British Standard with effectively replace clauses 8.2-8.6 of the PAS 2035 document and will add clarity and context to other sections if so required. The current broad scope structure of the BS 40104 Assessment of dwellings for retrofit as developed by the CB/401 BSI Committee - Retrofitting Energy Efficiency Measures is as follows (for updates follow the BSI link above):
| Context - how the dwelling should be inspected and reported on |
|
| Condition - the assessment of the condition of the dwelling and defects including: |
|
| Occupancy - focussing on the two main facets of occupancy described in PAS 2035: |
|
| Ventilation - Key to healthy homes is a functional ventilation strategy, as such a comprehensive understanding of the dwellings existing ventilation system should recorded, this includes (see also Annex C of PAS 2035): |
|
| Energy Performance - The energy performance characteristics of the dwelling. |
|
| Significance - The architectural or historical context of a dwelling is key to the provision of a sensitive retrofit. Where a dwelling is, or forms part of, a protected dwelling (Listed, part of a conservation area or within a world heritage site for example) or traditional (defined as “constructed with solid brick or stone walls, or timber-framed walls with any infill”), then it should be treated in a specific manner as part of the retrofit assessment: |
|
| Reporting - encompassing the data above provided in a standardised format and may include: |
|
| Qualifications - |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Alterations to existing buildings.
- Do the building regulations apply to works to existing buildings?
- Demolition.
- Material amendment.
- Material change of use.
- Minor material amendment.
- Non material amendment.
- Change of use class.
- Planning permission.
- Permitted development.
- Principal designer.
- Renovation v refurbishment v retrofit.
- Retrofit project roles.
- Types of works to existing buildings.
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.