Future Proofing

Does your home need an update now to future proof it for the years ahead? Standards and requirements are changing all the time and your home needs to change with them. We can help you do this.

What is Future Proofing?

Future proofing is updating your home to meet new building, regulatory and living standards and adapt to your future needs. The new buzzword is NZEB – Nearly Zero Energy Building, so switching to renewable energy sources is a major part of future proofing.

This can involve moving from open fires to wood burning stoves, or from an oil burner to a combi-boiler. But there are also a lot more options and we can help you choose the best ones for you. These kinds of changes are important ways of meeting ‘Part L’ building requirements for conservation of fuel and energy.

Technical Upgrades to Future Proof Your Home

You may need some technical changes to comply with the latest regulations. Upgrading your insulation by pumping wall cavities is a very common change. You can also externally insulate by wrapping the building in what is effectively a ‘blanket’. This ‘blanket’ consists of an outside skin of insulation which is then covered to protect it from the elements.

You might also want to move from double to triple-glazing for your windows and glass doors, and upgrade window frames. Airtightness standards have risen and can reduce your heating bills. So, it may be worth upgrading windows, doors, rooves and chimneys to reduce draughts and heat loss.

New innovative tape and membrane products are now available to further reduce heat loss. Tape may be installed around window and door openings and a breathable membrane with new roof insulation. It’s important to choose the right product so not to lock in moisture to your structure. We can advise and help maximise the efficiency of your construction.

Lifestyle Changes

If it isn’t already, you may wish to make your home wheelchair-accessible to meet ‘Part M’ disability access and use requirements. This can involve not just adding an outdoor ramp and rail for entering the house. It can also mean changing interior and entrance doors to make them wider. Or you may need to make your bathroom bigger to accommodate a full turning circle for wheelchairs.

You might also want to create a downstairs bedroom which is fully accessible, including an en-suite. We can advise you on all these kinds of changes to future proof your home.