Domestic Energy: Renovations: Where to get advice?
Usually the best time to make improvements on the energy efficiency of your home will be when you are doing renovation work. The last thing anyone wants is to finish the alterations, then to think, “if only I had done it differently…”
The best solutions for traditional homes are still not clear, and there are many different options and opinions, so how do you decide which advice to follow?
The advice of tradesmen
Most people speak to a small number of tradesmen, decide who they like best, and rely on their advice for the renovation. This may work, there are some very good builders, with useful experience. However, in most cases the tradesman will advise doing what they have done before, success being judged mostly by the perceived satisfaction of their customer. In the absence of other information it would be surprising if they were not swayed towards the easiest option, and the one that gave the greatest margin.
Past experience is useful but it doesn’t allow for change, so other sources are needed.
External advice
The more preparation that can be done before starting, the better. Reading books, articles and magazines will provide useful background. Easy to read information is available in, for example: Homebuilding and Renovating >>
The more opinions you get the better. Those who have recently renovated their own homes will have useful experience, but this may not be the best option for your home. Alternatively, speaking to those who keep up to date with current methods, can discuss a range of options and give an unbiased opinion is often the best way forward.
