Celebrate a Spooktakular shift with Hope not Horror from the New RICS Residential Retrofit Standard this Halloween
Published: 31/10/2024
Today on 31st October 2024, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) officially introduces its first residential retrofit standard, marking a significant move towards creating consistently sustainable housing. The RICS standard is designed to provide guidance and best practices for retrofitting residential buildings to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance overall building performance. This framework is intended to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in retrofit projects, which is essential as property owners, developers and landlords face increasingly ambitious targets for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Features of the New Retrofit Standard
The new RICS retrofit standard covers essential elements including energy performance assessment, retrofit design, material selection, and installation procedures. A key objective is to ensure that retrofit projects are aligned with best practices but also tailored to the specific needs of each building and its occupants. From thermal insulation to renewable energy installations, the standard aims to bring clarity and guidance to complex retrofit processes.
The standard also addresses the potential risks associated with retrofit projects, such as moisture management, structural issues, and ventilation. By providing a structured approach, the standard helps avoid common pitfalls and improves outcomes, leading to healthier and more resilient homes.
How Harris Associates Can Support Your Retrofit Project
As RICS Chartered Surveyors, Harris Associates is ideally positioned to help clients navigate the requirements of the new retrofit standard and deliver exceptional results for their properties. Our team brings a wealth of expertise in building surveying, property management, and sustainable building practices, ensuring that your retrofit project is handled with precision, care, and adherence to the latest industry standards.
Expert Guidance on Compliance: Our team is fully trained in the latest RICS standards and has a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices. We can help you achieve compliance with the new retrofit standard, ensuring that all work meets both legal and professional benchmarks.
Comprehensive Energy Assessment: Harris Associates can provide in-depth energy performance assessments, which are crucial in identifying the most effective retrofit measures for each property. By evaluating a building’s current performance, we can pinpoint areas for improvement and develop a customised plan to optimise energy efficiency.
Bespoke Retrofit Planning: Every building is unique, and so is our approach. Our experts create tailored retrofit plans that consider the property’s age, structure, and usage. This ensures that each project is suited to the building’s specific requirements and maximises the benefits of retrofitting.
Quality Assurance and Risk Mitigation: We prioritise quality at every stage of the retrofit process, from design to installation. Our knowledge of structural considerations, moisture control, and ventilation ensures that your retrofit project not only meets standards but will also withstand the test of time. In addition, Harris Associates has an industry-leading £5m per claim PI insurance indemnity, so you can trust that your project is in capable hands.
Sustainable Material Selection and Cost Management: With the new retrofit standard emphasising sustainability, our team can advise on eco-friendly materials and techniques like Circular Construction. Additionally, our cost consultancy team work closely with clients to keep projects within budget while achieving their sustainability goals.
Benefits of Choosing Harris Associates for Your Retrofit Needs
By choosing Harris Associates, our clients gain a trusted partner committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable retrofit solutions. Our expertise as RICS Chartered Surveyors means we can provide peace of mind through consistent compliance, enhanced building performance, and improved long-term value for your property.
Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient properties have greater market appeal and can attract premium prices, making retrofitting a wise investment.
Enhanced Comfort and Health: A properly retrofitted home offers improved indoor air quality, better temperature control, and reduced energy bills, resulting in a more comfortable and healthier living environment.
Future-Proofed Housing: As the industry moves toward more sustainable practices, retrofitting your property now helps ensure it meets future regulations and standards, safeguarding your investment.
Harris Associates is dedicated to helping clients succeed in the transition to more sustainable buildings. With the new RICS residential retrofit standard taking effect this week, there’s never been a better time to begin your retrofit journey and make sustainable upgrades to your property.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help bring your project in line with the latest standards and deliver lasting value to your property.