FAQ's
What is an energy survey and why do you need to do one?
An energy survey is an assessment of a property and is carried out by a professional energy assessor. The assessor inspects a property to determine how energy efficient the property is, checking the condition of the property and its energy usage.
Windows, doors, loft insulation, wall insulation and the heating system will all be considered and inspected during the survey.
What does 'retrofit' mean?
Retrofit is a process where improvement works are carried out to an existing property, improving its energy efficiency.
These works make the property easier to heat and better able to retain that heat for longer.
What does 'fabric-first approach' mean?
A fabric-first approach sees the components (walls, doors, roof, windows) and materials of a property being improved and maximised before the consideration of mechanical systems (low carbon heating and solar panels).
The aim is to improve the building fabric to ensure that the heat from a heating source can be retained more efficiently, stopping the heat loss through, for example, draughty windows and doors.
Will this cost me anything?
No, there's no cost for this process. We only ask that you provide access to your property at the agreed appointment time.
How long will the survey take and what do I need to do?
It's anticipated that the survey will take between one hour and 90 minutes. You won't have to do anything while the survey is taking place.
What parts of my home will the surveyor need to access?
The energy assessor will need access to all areas of the property, both internally and externally. This also includes the loft space, if you have one, and access to the meters.
Who'll carry out the survey? When will they be here?
We've appointed Morgan Sindall, who'll undertake the survey. They'll contact you to make a suitable and convenient time to visit and complete the survey.
What happens once the survey is completed?
Following the survey, the information is passed on to the retrofit coordinator, who develops a medium-term improvement plan for the property.
The improvement plan identifies the possible work needed to make improvements to the property and help to reduce the energy costs.
Consideration is also given to ensure that the recommended measures are compatible together.
How will the EPC rating of my home affect this work?
Under the terms of our funding, we're only able to work on properties with a current EPC rating of D or below.
The work that we do will be to bring your property up to EPC rating C, but no higher, as per the criteria of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) project.
What is external scanning?
External scanning is a process where the property is scanned digitally to then produce drawings to aid in the design and installation of the improvement measures identified.
Depending on the scale and type of recommended improvement measures, a full design pack may be required.
For this, a further visit may be required. This can be completed without access into your property but will require gates to be unlocked to allow access to the rear or side of the property.
The contractor will inform you after the initial survey if external scanning is required and the need for a return visit.
How will the final work benefit me?
Fabric-first has many benefits. It'll see your home improved, keeping it warmer and more comfortable, reduce the carbon emissions from your home and ultimately lower your energy bills.
I've got an ongoing repairs complaint open. Will this impact the work?
Some repair works may be required before the SHDF work can be undertaken and completed. If there are outstanding repairs issues, please highlight this to the SHDF Team or retrofit assessor and they'll work with the Repairs Team to ensure that all outstanding repairs are completed.
There may be cases where the ongoing repairs don't affect the SHDF work. However, we'll work with the Repairs Team to establish a timeframe to complete the outstanding repairs to provide you with a clear picture of when you can expect the repairs to follow on.
How will you keep me updated?
We'll use 'The Hub', our online engagement platform, as the main channel to keep you informed of ongoing updates as the project progresses.
You'll need to sign up to The Hub. To do so, visit The Hub at thehublonghurstgroup.uk.engagementhq.com/register
Once registered, you'll then be able to access the updates relevant to you by visiting thehublonghurstgroup.uk.engagementhq.com/shdf-project-updates
Individual contact for appointments and works will be led by the contractor and they'll make contact either through letter, email or telephone. They have a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer who'll be your main point of contact.
