After deciding to proceed with planning a deep retrofit, the owner will likely need assistance. The nature of that assistance will depend on the scope and complexity of the project and the availability of contractors and advisors with deep retrofit experience. For simpler projects, a reputable, experienced contractor supported by an Energy Adviser may be sufficient.
Qualifications to look for in a Project Team
Energy Evaluator/Retrofit Coach
Any qualified energy advisor or professional energy modeller should be able to quantify the energy efficiency of a building. To be an effective retrofit coach, they should also have a good sense of which upgrades will be practical and affordable and which are not. They need a working knowledge of air tightness and how to achieve it from various starting conditions. They must be capable of optimising envelope upgrades for cost-effective net-zero performance and must have the building science background to avoid risky assemblies.
Contractors
The contractor should have renovation experience and be good at solving the kinds of problems that arise in any renovation project. Good estimating skills are important throughout the project, but particularly during the planning process when many different measures may be on the table.
The contractor should have good building science knowledge, especially as it relates to moisture management, and a commitment to executing the details necessary for long-term durability. An understanding of best practices needed for airtightness is critical. Net-zero and Passive house training is ideal. Contractors who complete air-tightness tasks themselves are preferable to those who would subcontract that work. This is because, in a retrofit, in contrast to new construction, many of the airtightness tasks need to be performed as the opportunity arises, in conjunction with other work. Unfortunately, because there are very few contractors with all of these attributes, it may be necessary to settle for one who is conscientious, honest, and willing to learn.
Mechanical engineer
Many deep retrofits will involve switching from fossil fuels to electricity. Mechanical engineers who can also do the energy modelling needed for the project can save time getting to an optimal solution faster and more confidently. The building science and optimization skills that come with Passive House training are a big plus. Mechanical engineers should have experience with designing heat pump systems, ground and air source, and familiarity managing peak electrical demand.
Designer/ Architect
There should be someone on or available to the team who can take advantage of the opportunity to help the building take full advantage of its new life – the opportunity to improve curb appeal with a beautiful new envelope and also make minor amenity improvements where the opportunity arises. Passive house / net-zero training is a big asset. Depending on the project needs, there may be a need to work out new details or modify existing ones. Depending on the contractor’s experience, there may be a need for very detailed drawings that explicitly show how to achieve the necessary levels of air tightness and durability.
Professional of Record
Larger projects will likely need a Professional of Record—either an architect or professional engineer—to sign off and take responsibility for the permit drawings and completion of the work to acceptable standards. Few single-family projects will need this, although they may need professional engineers to take responsibility for some structural and mechanical changes.
Leadership and Flexibility
Whether the project team is better led by an energy advisor, a contractor, a retrofit coach, or another consultant will depend a lot on the scope of the project and who has the necessary expertise and commitment. As more retrofits are done, it will become easier to find experienced retrofit leaders.
