Risk management and quality assurance

For a retrofit project to deliver expected outcomes, the standard of workmanship and installation must be high.

At Changeworks we recognise that Quality Assurance (QA) and risk management is key to ensure compliance with procurement, specification and delivery of measures in all domestic retrofit projects.

Value of Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance is most valuable when it is embedded at all stages of a retrofit project. This means oversight of installations and quality checks start before the work itself begins, continues throughout the installation, and concludes with a final sign off once works are complete. Such independent inspections ensure satisfactory contractor performance and delivery of the energy efficiency and cost saving outcomes.

Furthermore, as QA inspections are carried out at various stages of the work, issues can be addressed as they arise, rather than compounding and causing bigger problems down the line.

Benefits for all stakeholders

Works to existing buildings can bring additional risks and unforeseen consequences. A robust QA process ensures both effective and safe retrofits, protecting both the building and its residents.

Residents not only benefit from safe and effective energy efficiency upgrades, but they also get the reassurance of an impartial third party who can support with any enquiries they may have. The Changeworks QA team offers an important mediation point between tenants and the contractors carrying out the work, which can help address tenant concerns before they escalate to complaints.

Clients using our QA service can trust both the quality of the retrofit work and feel confident in the progress of their project. Regular reports help to establish a timeline for project completion, a timeline for addressing remedial issues, and support reporting for contractor key performance indicators (KPIs).

Finally, since QA inspections also focus on health and safety, the contractors themselves benefit too. A keen eye for health and safety compliance helps minimise the risk of workplace accidents.

Case study

At Changeworks, our QA team works on a range of retrofit projects of different scales and building tenures. We have expertise across internal and external building fabric upgrades, as well as installation of zero carbon heating systems. Our team is grounded in adhering to best practice approaches and adopting PAS2035 methodology to retrofit assessment, coordination and risk management.

We recently worked with Glen Housing Association to upgrade the windows, doors and ventilation across several of their properties.

Highlighting the service, Ian Byers, Housing Manager at Glen Housing Association, commented:

“Large retrofit programmes can be all consuming, and using the Changeworks Quality Assurance service helps ensure that our resources are not overstretched and frees up staff time. There is a comfort in knowing that experts in the field are overseeing the work and that the Quality Assurance team has access to all of the Changeworks technical expertise.”

An independent and expert quality assurance service can ensure the success of a retrofit project, bringing benefits to all stakeholders.