In short: A retrofit assessment is an on-site survey of a home’s construction, condition, heating, ventilation and occupancy, carried out by a retrofit assessor. It is the first stage of a PAS 2035 project and gives the evidence needed to plan energy improvements safely. Retrofit London provides retrofit assessments across all London boroughs.
What it is
A retrofit assessment records the property as it is: its construction, condition, heating and hot water, ventilation, and how the people living there use it. It is carried out on site by a retrofit assessor, who takes measurements, photographs and notes, and runs an energy assessment using the government’s approved methodology for existing dwellings.
The assessment does not decide what you should install. It provides the evidence a retrofit coordinator and designer need to compare options, identify risks – such as moisture, ventilation or heritage constraints – and plan improvements in a sensible order.
Where a project follows PAS 2035:2023, the British Standard framework for domestic retrofit, the assessment forms the first formal stage. PAS 2035 compliance is required for certain funding schemes and TrustMark-registered work; for a privately funded project, it may be used as good practice rather than as a requirement.
Who needs it
Who commissions this service
- Homeowners planning insulation, heating or ventilation changes
- Landlords reviewing a single property or a portfolio
- Housing providers preparing funded programmes
- Architects and contractors who need a documented baseline
- Retrofit coordinators who need assessment input
Typical reasons
Why people commission it
- A funding scheme requires a PAS 2035 assessment
- You want an evidence-based plan before spending money
- A previous measure has caused damp, draughts or overheating
- You are buying or have just bought a property and want to plan improvements
- Several properties need a consistent baseline
Scope
What’s included – and what isn’t
Normally included
- Site visit and measured survey of the dwelling
- Energy assessment using the current approved methodology for existing homes
- Condition observations relevant to retrofit (for example signs of damp, defects or ventilation problems)
- Occupancy information – how the home is heated, ventilated and used
- Photographic record
- Identification of features that may need a significance (heritage) assessment
- Assessment report and data for the retrofit coordinator
Not included
- Installation of any measure
- Structural, damp or timber surveys by specialists (we will flag if one is advisable)
- Asbestos surveys (if suspected materials are present, a specialist survey may be needed before works)
- Planning, listed building consent or Building Regulations applications
- A guarantee of eligibility for any funding scheme
- Design and specification – see Retrofit Design
Retrofit London delivers this service directly. You contract with PRIMELINKS SOLUTIONS LTD, trading as Retrofit London, and your written quotation names the person who will carry out the work. If a project ever needs input from another specialist, we will tell you before it is arranged.
Before we quote
Information that helps us quote accurately
- Property address and postcode
- Property type and approximate age, if known
- Tenure – owner-occupied, rented or leasehold flat
- Whether the building is listed or in a conservation area
- Any existing EPC, drawings or previous surveys
- Funding scheme or programme requirements, if any
- Number of properties, for portfolio enquiries
- Access arrangements and any occupant considerations
A retrofit assessment needs a visit to the property. Access to all main rooms, the loft (where safe) and the heating system is normally required; we will tell you in advance what access is needed.
What affects the price
Factors that affect the quotation
- Property size, layout and number of storeys
- Whether the work must follow PAS 2035 for a funding scheme
- Heritage status – listed buildings and conservation areas may need extra assessment
- Number of properties and how they are grouped
- Access, travel and parking constraints
- Availability of existing drawings or surveys
We do not publish fixed prices because the work depends on the property and the purpose. You will receive a written quotation setting out scope, deliverables and fees before any work starts.
Process
How it works
- EnquiryTell us about the property and your goals.
- QuotationWe confirm scope, deliverables and who will carry out the visit.
- Site visitSurvey, measurements, photographs and occupant discussion.
- ReportingAssessment information is compiled and checked.
- Next stepsWe explain the findings and how they feed into coordination and design.
What you receive
- A written assessment report covering the dwelling, its condition and its occupancy
- Energy assessment outputs from the approved methodology
- Photographs and measured information
- A clear note of risks, constraints and further surveys that may be needed
Responsibilities
Who is responsible for what
| Party | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Retrofit assessor | Collects accurate, impartial information about the dwelling and its occupants. |
| Retrofit coordinator | Uses the assessment to evaluate options, manage risk and prepare an improvement plan. |
| Client | Provides access, relevant documents and honest information about how the home is used. |
| Other specialists | Investigate specific issues (for example structure, damp or asbestos) where recommended. |
London homes
London property considerations
Much of London’s housing predates modern cavity walls. Solid brick walls, suspended timber floors and older sash windows behave differently from modern construction, particularly in how they handle moisture. An assessment should record these features carefully, because they affect which insulation approaches are appropriate.
Flats in converted houses and mansion blocks raise extra questions: which parts of the building you control, whether the freeholder must consent, and how shared walls, floors and roofs are treated. Where a property is listed or in a conservation area, the assessment should identify features of significance early so the plan can respect them.
Across London
Local notes by borough
Housing types and local planning controls vary widely across London. These borough pages explain the considerations that most often affect this service: Haringey · Hackney · Lambeth · Barking and Dagenham · Harrow · Waltham Forest.
Related services
Services that often sit alongside this one
Retrofit Coordination
One accountable role that joins the stages up and manages technical risk.
Retrofit Design
Measures specified as a joined-up package, with the junctions and ventilation thought through.
Heat Loss Calculations (and Heat Demand)
Size heating correctly and understand annual energy need – two distinct calculations.
Is a retrofit assessment the same as an EPC?
No. An energy assessment for an EPC is one part of a retrofit assessment. A retrofit assessment also records condition, ventilation, occupancy and constraints, so the information is detailed enough to plan improvements safely.
Do I need a PAS 2035 assessment?
You need one if your project is funded through a scheme that requires PAS 2035 or if your installer must work to it. For privately funded work, PAS 2035 is optional but its structured approach is still useful. Tell us how the project is funded and we will advise.
How long does the site visit take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the property. We will give you an estimate when we confirm the booking.
Can you assess a flat?
Yes. We will ask about the building and lease, because some measures affect shared parts of the building and may need consent.
Will the assessment tell me which grants I can get?
It provides information that funding routes require, but eligibility is set by each scheme and its administrators. We will not promise eligibility or funding.
How much does a retrofit assessment cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the home, whether the work must follow PAS 2035, heritage status and the number of properties. We do not publish fixed prices; you will receive a written quotation before anything is booked.
What is the difference between a retrofit assessor and a retrofit coordinator?
The assessor records the home as it is. The coordinator uses that information to evaluate options, plan improvements and manage risk across the whole project. See our guide to retrofit roles.
Next step
Discuss a retrofit assessment for your property
Send a few details about the property and what you are planning. We will confirm whether this service fits, or suggest what does.