Improvements

Every home will be individually surveyed and assessed, to ensure that the most effective energy saving improvements are proposed.

The Warm Homes Local Grant scheme uses a number of different professionals to select the right improvements to install in your property.

To start with they will look at whether the fabric of your home needs improvements - such as replacing single glazed windows with double glazed windows or installing insulation - before looking at changing or improving heating systems.

The plan for your home will provide the best blend of improvements to give your home the greatest efficiency boost.

You may be recommended some of the improvements on our types of energy saving improvements page and many homes will be recommended to receive more than one.

We will advise what improvements your home should get

You won't be able to choose your own energy saving improvements, the professional Retrofit Coordinators will choose the most appropriate upgrades based on surveys of your home. These improvements will be unique to your home, and designed to fit with your life and the way you use your space.

You do not have to go ahead with the proposed improvements

You can choose to decline the offer if you do not wish to have the proposed improvements.

No work will be carried out in your home without your agreement, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the proposed improvements.

All work is fully funded

You will not have to pay anything for the improvements. If you rent your home your landlord may have to make a contribution, but at as a homeowner you will never have to pay anything towards these improvements.

The external appearance of your home may change

Some upgrades (like external wall insulation) would change the outward appearance of your home. Industry standards require the team to treat historic or traditional properties with sensitivity and make sure they do not lose their character. If your home is listed, the Warm Homes team will arrange the necessary permissions.

Installations

We will tell you ahead of time about what is being installed. Work will be scheduled at a time convenient to you. Your installer will be in contact to agree a date and time with you.

The work will comply with the highest energy efficiency standards

This scheme requires that the highest energy efficiency improvement industry standards (PAS2035:2023) are met.

All contractors are appointed by Herefordshire Council and registered with TrustMark.

TrustMark is a UK Government endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in and around your home. TrustMark installers are backed by an insurance scheme that would cover any work that is not up to standard.

The team of technical experts are fully trained and accredited. When you engage with a Trustmark registered installer via a Retrofit Coordinator to install energy efficiency improvements, you can have confidence the work is done to recognised specifications and is underpinned by a compliance system that ensures a high standard of work.

There may be some visits from your Retrofit Coordinator during the installation to ensure work is being completed as expected.

How long it takes to install the improvements

The installation itself may involve a few days of work. The installer will give you an estimated completion time before work begins.

After installation is completed, another visit will take place to check the work. You will be kept updated throughout the process.

How much disruption there will be

This depends on the improvements being installed, but the installers will take care to minimise this. There will be some inevitable disruption with most larger installations. It would be worth preparing for the typical level of disruption expected for building works and home improvements.

The installers are responsible for 'making good' the finished job, but this will not include decoration.

Whether to be there when improvements to your home are carried out

It is up to you whether you are at home when the improvements are carried out, however, it can be helpful to have someone available to allow access for installers.

It's unlikely that you will need to move out during the installation, but depending on the upgrades you have, some rooms may not be usable while work is being done.

Insurance

The installers are appropriately covered by insurance for the work being carried out. We recommend notifying your home insurers if you are having any changes made to your property.

The installers for the improvements

You will not have to find somebody to install your improvements. Installers must go through Herefordshire Council's stringent selection process to work on the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme.

How to tell if the installers are doing a good job

If you are approved for funding, the contractual agreement for the work will be between you and the installer, as you are the customer. The installers on this scheme are carefully appointed, but it's always best to feel confident when work is being done to your home.

We recommend that you use the installation checklist. This checklist will come in handy whenever you are having home improvements done.

Concerns about the installation

If you have any concerns about the installation, you can contact the Warm Homes team. The team are responsible for supporting you on this journey and the Retrofit Coordinator ensures all work is done correctly.

Warranties and guarantees

Warranties and guarantees will be discussed at your application meeting, and included in your grant offer letter.

How to use the new installations

When the work has been completed, the installers will talk to you about getting the most from your new energy saving improvements and will make sure you can use any new controls or technologies in your home.