Let Zero and trusted contractors
An important part of the Let Zero service is building a network of trusted contractors who are able to carry out high quality retrofit work in privately rented properties, and to link landlords with these trusted contacts. Construction errors and process waste are estimated to make up 25% of UK construction project costs. This is why an essential part of the process of making energy efficient improvements to properties is finding the right companies to carry out this work to a high quality, first time.
Introduction to Wrapt
Retrofit business Wrapt supports homeowners, landlords and housing associations to upgrade their homes, and deliver a range of services from advice and design to installations. They have been involved with the Let Zero project from the very start, including in the development of the Let Zero Show Home.
“We are a mixture of architects, energy experts, designers and builders, so we have a really good skill set” says Jamie Keats, co-founder and director.
This range of skills was essential in the completion of the Let Zero Show Home, a privately rented Victorian terraced house in Tinsley, Sheffield, which serves as a demonstration of the impact of energy efficiency upgrades.
Wrapt involvement in show home and innovations
As a contractor Wrapt were a key part in the success of the Let Zero Show Home. They helped to overcome some of the challenges of the project, as well as delivering some key innovations, including a novel system for installing internal wall insulation. Jamie explains: “We were testing out our own wall system. We have created a way of pre-scanning a property, and pre-cutting all the panels off-site so that we can then install them quickly on-site as a kind of jigsaw kit”.
One of the potential challenges faced by carrying out retrofit work in the privately rented sector, is the inconvenience it may pose to the tenant. This innovative installation method vastly reduces the time that contractors need to be at the property, which in turn reduces potential disruption to the tenant.
“Testing out the new system on the property was challenging. We had to adapt the system as we went, but that was the idea, we were trying to test it in real life. We got really good feedback and were able to improve the system even further.
“The project has definitely been a learning process, but the great thing about Let Zero has been that everyone’s really good to work with. The people were brilliant and that made it a really nice project to work on.”
How Let Zero helps projects and contractors
Connecting people who are interested in making retrofit improvements with people able to deliver the work to the best standard, is key to a successful retrofit project.
“I think it is brilliant to have a trusted place where people can go and get advice and find a contractor to work with.”
This is why trusted contractors are a key element of the Let Zero service. As an end-to-end service Let Zero is available to help people in every step of the retrofit journey, from initial interest and advice, to plans of work, then connecting with contractors, and delivery and sign-off of the final product.
If you are interested in making energy efficiency improvements, register on our website to find out more
