Background
When Vicky and her partner purchased their first home together—a 1970s detached house in Manchester—they were excited about the potential it held. However, they were also aware of the extensive work needed to bring the property up to modern standards, both environmentally and in terms of energy efficiency. They had a strong desire to reduce their carbon footprint and implement passivhaus principles to make their home as sustainable as possible. Despite having a good idea of what they wanted to achieve, they felt overwhelmed by the scope and complexity of the project.
The Challenge
- Prioritisation and Phasing: With numerous upgrades in mind, the optimal sequence for implementing the improvements was unclear.
- Time Constraints: With full-time jobs, it would be difficult to progress and manage the project.
- Lack of Specialist Knowledge: Although they had some technical knowledge and industry contacts, making decisions on the direction and specification of the project was daunting.
The Solution
After finding Furbnow in an article by The Guardian, Vicky decided to enquire about our services. Our focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, combined with comprehensive project management, stood out. After careful consideration they opted for a Furbnow Home Energy Plan to get a detailed, phased roadmap for their energy efficiency project.
The Home Energy Plan
To get started, Vicky discussed and shared her priorities, vision and background information (such as how the home is/would be used) with Furbnow. This context enabled Adam, her Coordinator, to consider how Vicky’s requirements might be met and ensure that later recommendations were carefully tailored.
Adam visited the property to conduct a survey a week later. The objective of the 3 hour survey was two-fold; confirm the condition and construction of the home, and continue the discussion with Vicky about the direction the project might take.
With the information initially shared by Vicky, the survey findings and insights from their conversations, Adam was able to produce a detailed Home Energy Plan that provided Vicky with clarity on:
- Which energy efficiency improvements were possible with estimated costs
- The technical details of each recommended improvement and how they solve existing property problems.
- The best order to implement the changes for maximum impact and minimal disruption.
Project Management
Based on the Home Energy Plan, progressing the project with Furbnow felt like an easy decision. Choosing Furbnow’s project management services meant that Vicky and her partner could proceed with confidence. Their project coordinator, Adam, was able to :
- Provide clear, articulate explanations tailored to Vicky and her partner's varying degrees of technical knowledge.
- Ensure that any discrepancies in the design phase were promptly corrected.
- Manage installers to ensure the objectives of the project would be met.
- Maintain weekly contact to keep the project on track without overwhelming the couple.
Summary
Thanks to Furbnow’s and Adam's expertise, Vicky's energy efficiency project got off to a great start and is currently progressing smoothly on-site.
Vicky highlighted three key benefits of working with Furbnow:
- Ensuring progress is made - in both planning and delivery stages
- Having a clear focus on sustainability
- Providing access to vetted suppliers (and coordinating them!)
In Vicky's words, Furbnow is "a hassle-free project coordinator with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability."
Furbnow transforms the daunting task of an energy efficiency project into a manageable and hassle free experience. We provide expert guidance, detailed planning, and reliable project management for homeowners looking to improve their home’s comfort and sustainability.
Ready to start your journey towards a warmer, more environmentally-friendly home? Get a Furbnow quote today to learn how we can help you plan and deliver your energy efficiency project right the first time.
