Real Results from Homes Upgraded Under GBIS

Transforming a Cold Semi in Oxford

This case study showcases the positive impact of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) on real households. It highlights how Ignite Property Group’s support helped homeowners access the scheme and achieve significant improvements in their home's energy efficiency and comfort.

Mrs. Smith, a retired widow in her late 70s, had lived in her 1930s semi-detached house in Oxford for over 40 years. While she loved her home, she struggled with the high cost of heating it, especially during the harsh winter months. 

The house had only a thin layer of outdated loft insulation and no cavity wall insulation, resulting in significant heat loss. Drafts were a constant problem, and damp patches appeared on some of the external walls. Mrs. Smith was living on a fixed pension and was deeply concerned about the rising energy costs, which were eating into her limited income. 

She had heard about government schemes to help with insulation but felt overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating the application process on her own. She worried about the paperwork, the eligibility criteria and the potential disruption to her daily routine that any building work might cause.

Challenge: 

Eligible for GBIS funding but daunted by the application process and worried about potential disruption to her daily life, Mrs. Smith also faced the constant pressure of high energy bills impacting her limited income. Her home was consistently cold and damp, negatively affecting her health and well-being and she experienced considerable anxiety about navigating the complexities of the GBIS scheme. She was hesitant to engage with the process for fear of being overwhelmed by bureaucracy and potential disruption.

Solution:

Recognising Mrs. Smith's concerns, Ignite Property Group offered a comprehensive, end-to-end service.

• GBIS Eligibility Assessment and Application: IPGL conducted a free, no-obligation home assessment. One of our experienced surveyors visited Mrs. Smith at her home, thoroughly inspecting the property and explaining the GBIS scheme in clear, easy-to-understand terms. We confirmed her eligibility for funding for both loft and cavity wall insulation. Crucially, IPGL took complete ownership of the application process, handling all the necessary paperwork, contacting the relevant authorities and keeping Mrs. Smith updated on the progress.
• Property Survey and Solution Design: Following the eligibility confirmation, a detailed survey was carried out to determine the most effective insulation measures. Given the construction of Mrs. Smith’s home, both cavity wall insulation and a top-up of loft insulation were recommended. The survey also identified some minor repairs needed to the brickwork before the cavity wall insulation could be installed, which IPGL arranged to be carried out by reputable local tradespeople.
• Installation Management and Tenant Liaison: IPGL managed the entire installation process, coordinating with approved installers and scheduling the work to minimise disruption to Mrs. Smith. We maintained regular contact with her throughout, providing updates on the schedule and answering any questions she had. We ensured that the installers were respectful of her home and left the property clean and tidy after the work was completed.

Implementation:

The installation process was completed over two days, with minimal disruption to Mrs. Smith's routine. The installers were courteous and professional and IPGL kept Mrs. Smith informed every step of the way. The new loft insulation significantly increased the depth of insulation in her loft space and the cavity wall insulation filled the empty cavity between the inner and outer walls, creating a thermal barrier.

Results:

• Significant Reduction in Energy Bills: Within the first year following the installation, Mrs. Smith reported a remarkable 30% reduction in her energy bills. This provided her with much-needed financial relief and allowed her to heat her home comfortably without worrying about the cost.
• Improved Home Comfort: The insulation has made a noticeable difference to the warmth and comfort of her home. The drafts have been eliminated, and the damp patches have disappeared. Mrs. Smith no longer needs to wear multiple layers of clothing indoors and can enjoy a comfortable temperature throughout the house.
• Increased Home Value: The insulation improvements have also enhanced the energy efficiency rating of her property, which has subsequently increased its market value.
• Peace of Mind: Mrs. Smith expressed immense relief and gratitude for IPGL’s support. "I was so worried about the whole process, but IPGL took all the stress away. They were so helpful and kept me informed every step of the way”. 

Conclusion:

IPGL's comprehensive support enabled Mrs. Smith to access GBIS funding and transform her cold, inefficient house into a warm, comfortable and energy-efficient home. This case study exemplifies the positive impact of GBIS and IPGL's commitment to supporting vulnerable households, providing not only practical improvements but also peace of mind. By providing expert guidance and support throughout the process, IPGL empowers homeowners to improve their living conditions, reduce their energy bills and create a more sustainable living environment.