Frequently Asked Questions about Eco-Homes

1. My builder is saying that they will build to the standard set out by the building regs, what do you recommend? 

Building Regulations are the minimum legal standard, and it is possible to build higher-quality buildings. When thinking about your project, it is important to think about your sustainability and quality aspirations, which may involve building to a higher standard than those required by the Building Regulations. By doing this you can help to future-proof your home and prepare it for a changing climate, meaning you are less likely to have to make modifications to it in the short to medium-term. By building a higher performance building you will also be reducing your running costs and using less energy, which will save money on your bills and reduce your impact on the environment, and can increase the value of your property.

 

2. What is the difference between a heating engineer and an energy consultant?

There are various different professionals involved in the design, specification and installation of heating, cooling and ventilation systems and renewable technologies. Both heating engineers and energy consultants can be involved in the specification and installation of these.

  • Generally heating engineers/plumbers install heating systems specified by others or their own recommendations eg) gas boilers, oil boilers, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps.

  • An energy consultant can advise on energy efficiency, design and specify heating/cooling, lighting, ventilation, electrical and renewable systems for buildings. They might also provide airtightness testing, SAP & SBEM calculations and EPCs, energy statements, overheating calculations and water efficiency calculations.

If you are installing a heat pump or an MVHR unit it is important to choose a professional who is able to correctly design and install the system, as if it is incorrectly sized or installed it may not work as you expect and end up costing more to run. Therefore it is important to choose professionals who understand the systems – for example registered installers, or those who have previous experience on similar projects. You can also ask for references from their previous clients. If you are installing a complex or unusual system it may be worth employing an energy consultant or a mechanical and electrical engineer (see below) to design the system and ensure the specifications meet your requirements. At Keystone we work with a range of professional consultants and can help you access all the advice you need for your project.

 

3. What other professionals might I need to employ for my retrofit project?

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Below is a list of some of the designers and tradespeople who can provide professional services for and deliver your project, with particular regard to what is required for a retrofit project. This is not an exhaustive list and there is often overlap between the services that different professionals can provide.

  • Architect
    An architect can help develop the brief including helping to define the sustainability ambitions from the early stages of a project, design the layout and volume of your building to maximise environmental potential, specify construction build-ups to meet statutory requirements and sustainability ambitions, advise on material choices and construction methods. They are also well placed to act as lead consultant, liaising between and collating information from the different professionals involved with the project providing the point of communication between the design team and the client. They are also able to act as Contract Administrator to oversee the construction process if required. Having an Architect as Contract Administrator can help to ensure you get a high-standard end result and the finish quality that you want for your project.

  • Passive House Designer/Consultant
    Designs buildings to meet Passive House standard (which is a very low energy building standard) and Enerphit buildings (the Passive House retrofit standard).

  • Passive House Certifier
    Certifies that Passive House buildings meet the Passive House standards after completion.

  • Mechanical and Electrical Engineer
    Designs and specifies heating/cooling, lighting, ventilation, electrical and renewable systems for buildings

  • Main Contractor
    A contractor (sometimes with a team of sub-contractors) will build your project. They may also be involved in commissioning heating, mechanical ventilation or renewable energy systems. Some contractors specialise in retrofit work or working with historic buildings. Make sure that the person you employ understands the building physics behind the insulation system they are installing and how any technology being installed works.

 

At Keystone Architecture and Design we are passionate about improving the sustainability of the built environment. We have the knowledge and skills to take a holistic approach to designing your new building or extension, ensuring you get a high-performance building with the spaces you need and the finish quality you want. If you are considering a high-performance new build, a Passive House project or retrofitting an existing property please contact us to see how we can help by email, phone or by using the contact form on our website.

07752 979244

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