When is thermal refurbishment worthwhile?

Thermal refurbishment – improving a building's insulation – pays off above all where high energy costs, an older building and the wish for added value come together. Whether and when it adds up depends on the particular property. We deliberately give no fixed cost or saving figures, because they vary widely.

What speaks for refurbishment

Lower energy costs

Better insulation reduces the energy needed for heating. Over the years that can noticeably reduce running costs, which counts particularly with let properties and in a community of owners.

More comfort and value

Refurbished buildings are more pleasant to live in and generally easier to market. How that affects the value is shown in How does energy refurbishment affect value?.

What to plan for

Refurbishment is a larger investment that needs good planning. Check the actual condition of the building, obtain several quotes and include possible grants in the calculation, see What grants are available for refurbishment?. The specific costs and the economics should be calculated individually for your property.

Refurbishment rarely pays off immediately, but often over the years and on sale.

The right moment

It is often worth combining thermal refurbishment with work that is due anyway. If the façade is being renovated or the roof re-covered, insulation can be added with comparatively little extra effort. That saves paying twice for scaffolding and building work. An upcoming heating replacement is also a good occasion to rethink the overall approach. Anyone who plans refurbishment ahead rather than only reacting to damage gets more out of every investment. As managers we spot such favourable moments early and bring them into the planning.

How we support you

As managers we plan refurbishment ahead, coordinate dependable local trades and align larger work with the reserve fund. In the community of owners we prepare the necessary resolutions, see How does a community of owners plan refurbishment?. That turns a large investment into an orderly process. Arrange a conversation and we will look at your property.