A retrofit assessor carries out the detailed survey of your home before any
energy-efficiency work begins. If you are having insulation, a heat pump or
other measures installed through a government-backed scheme such as
ECO4 or another grant, the assessment is the starting
point — it captures the true condition of your property so that whatever
is installed actually suits it. This page explains what the role involves and
why it protects you.
What a retrofit assessor does
Under PAS 2035 — the overarching British standard for domestic retrofit
— the assessor gathers and records the information the project needs
before decisions are made. In practice that usually means:
-
Assessing the building – construction type,
insulation, heating, ventilation, windows and the overall condition of the
fabric. -
Checking for risks – existing or potential damp,
condensation and mould, which the wrong measures can make worse. -
Noting how the home is used – occupancy and heating
patterns, so improvements match the way you actually live. -
Producing an assessment, often alongside an Energy
Performance Certificate, that the retrofit coordinator relies on to plan the
work.
Why it matters to you
The assessment is what stops a one-size-fits-all fix being bolted onto your
home. Insulating a property without understanding its moisture behaviour, for
example, can trap damp and cause real harm. A proper PAS 2035 assessment means
the measures are chosen for your building, not the other way round — and
it is a requirement for government-funded schemes, so skipping it should be a
warning sign.
The assessor feeds their findings to the retrofit coordinator, who oversees
the whole project. Before agreeing to work, it is reasonable to ask who is
carrying out your assessment and to check that the firm is registered with
TrustMark. You can read more about home energy schemes across our
energy and water section and the funding
available through
renewable energy grants.