As a Furbnow partner, you play a vital role in helping homeowners understand their property's potential and start their path to a warmer, more efficient home. Let's walk through what, we feel, makes an exceptional assessment.
Every successful retrofit journey begins with a thorough home assessment. As a Furbnow partner, you play a vital role in helping homeowners understand their property's potential and start their path to a warmer, more efficient home. Let's walk through what, we feel, makes an exceptional assessment.
Before You Visit: Laying the Groundwork
The groundwork for a great assessment starts well before you arrive. Take time to review the Home Information Form and research the property's basic details, including its age, type, and conservation status. This preparation helps you anticipate challenges and understand the homeowner's concerns.
During the Visit: Making Every Minute Count
Arriving on time sets the right tone – but if delays happen, keep both the customer and Furbnow informed. Start by introducing yourself as their Retrofit Assessor and walking the customer through the process. A clear explanation helps put them at ease and sets expectations - explain roughly how long the survey will take and what you will be doing in outline.
Your assessment should tell the story of the house – how it works now, and how it could work better. Cover everything from building fabric and heating systems to insulation levels and how the home is used. Document thoroughly with photos, floor plans, and detailed notes, paying special attention to areas needing particular consideration.
If you encounter any issues, stay calm and professional. Sometimes you might need to pause an assessment – if this happens, politely excuse yourself, step outside, and give Furbnow a call right away (0330 165 6147, or call Neil); and after the survey make sure you document everything in the project notes section.
After the Visit: Bringing It All Together
Your documentation tells the complete story of the property. The Energy Report, Condition Report, Occupancy Assessment, Significance Survey, floor plans, photos, and XML files create a clear picture of the home's current state and its potential. Aim to submit everything within one day – two days maximum – to maintain project momentum.
The Art of Excellence
Creating a great assessment experience combines technical expertise with clear communication. Explain complex concepts in plain English, note customer preferences, and maintain professional standards throughout. Treat the property with respect and leave everything exactly as you found it.
When Things Take an Unexpected Turn
Even the best-planned assessments can face challenges. If something unexpected comes up, for instance additional extensions or other factors not communicated by the customer, then contact us. Just let the homeowner know that you need to confirm something and call Furbnow, if we can’t be reached immediately send an email and then conduct the survey to the best of your ability. If for some reason you are unable to do so, explain clearly to the customer and Furbnow why and let the customer know that we will be in touch as soon as possible; we're here to support you every step of the way.
Why Your Work Matters
Your assessment is the foundation of the entire Home Energy Plan process. When you do a great job, homeowners understand their options clearly, projects can be planned accurately, and work flows smoothly. You're not just gathering data – you're helping homeowners take their first confident steps toward a more sustainable future.
By bringing your expertise to each assessment, you're helping make home retrofits simpler and more accessible for everyone. That's what Furbnow is all about, and we're proud to have you as a partner in this mission.
Essential Assessment Checklist ✓
- Pre-Visit Preparation
- Review Home Information Form
- Research property
- Contact customer (CC Furbnow)
- Complete risk assessment
- Documentation Requirements
- Energy Report
- Condition Report
- Occupancy Assessment
- Significance Survey
- Floor plans and photos
- Submit after survey completion within 48 hours (24-hour target)
- Quality Standards
- Clear (meaningful and labelled) photos of all relevant areas
- Accurate measurements
- Detailed notes on current conditions
- Thorough technical observations
- Professional communication throughout
- Property left exactly as found
Remember, the Furbnow team is always here to support you. Together, we're making UK homes warmer, more efficient, and ready for the future.
