Since Valerien Property Services began in May 2022, we always look at adding services that are in need and required where we work, which is of course the Isle of Wight and, when needed, surrounding areas including Portsmouth and Southampton.
Recently, we were proud to launch our sub-brand website www.drawmeafloorplan.co.uk, which - perhaps unsurprisingly given its name - specialises in providing lettings, estate, holiday lets and managing agents with a professional floorplan drawing service, producing a variety of floor plans at low, very affordable prices.
Longer term plans include being able to offer On-Construction Domestic Energy Assessments (often called on construction EPCs), Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Retrofit Assessments.
In the last week, our MD Simon completed his training to become an accredited Domestic Retrofit Assessor. While we're still a little way off formerly offering this as a service on the IOW, it's a significant step to be able to provide the service. Without accreditation, we're legally not allowed to produce assessments.
But what exactly is a Domestic Retrofit Assessor, what is PAS 2035, and why is the service required?
Becoming an Assessor
To become a Retrofit Assessor, you first need to undergo training. Our training was provided by Elmhurst Energy, who are the UK's main regulation body for everything EPCs. The training can either be in person over two days, or be completed online.
At the end of training, you have to do a test with a minimum pass rate. Thankfully Simon passed the first time and is now in the process of becoming formally accredited. Then comes the formal 'in the field' training, where we would undergo assessments where we can learn exactly how we'd carry out the service. This is our next step.
During the training, you learn a lot of information and take in advice about what are retrofit assessments, the law, and why they are needed.
PAS 2035
You will hear the words PAS 2035 thrown around a lot when discussing retrofit assessments and looking at potential energy measures at a property.
This is essentially a framework that oversees the provision of energy measures to existing buildings across the country. It also details the best practice for their installation. The new framework was introduced to provide consistent standards and approaches to retrofitting buildings. This is because a number of projects across the UK suffered 'failures' following the retrofit process. This may be due to external cladding coming loose and falling, or being unfit for purpose.
PAS 2035 covers domestic properties, not commercial properties.
What is a Retrofit Assessor and What do They do?
A retrofit assessor has a main role in the process of fitting new energy measures to a property. Their job is to carry out an on-site survey and record a large amount of data and information at the property.
This would include the walls, the floors, windows, interior and exterior areas, existing energy measures in place, the position of vents, any damage, condensation, mould, damp etc. They then produce a report containing this information. Essentially they are the eyes of a different role called a Retrofit Coordinator (RC).
The report is then used by the RC to produce options for the most suitable energy measures for that property and also ensure they are properly managed and fully coordinated. He/she will produce a comprehensive retrofit plan.
When Will Valerien Property Services Offer the Service?
Now that the training has been completed, our next steps include becoming formally accredited by Elmhurst Energy, which will take a few weeks. We then will undertake our on-site training. A few meetings will be required with potential corporate clients and partners including the Isle of Wight Council in regards to our service, before we finally begin to formally offer it.
We expect this will take at least a couple of months, so we're a little off yet, but we are busy working behind the scenes to introduce this valuable service and further improve what we do and provide the Isle of Wight with an important needed service!.