“Having an assessment from an independant assessor was really valuable”
Paul explains how he retrofitted his terraced Victorian home and installed a heat pump. (Link to Youtube Webinar)
“There’s a kind of resignation in Glasgow that we’re just going to be cold in these old homes. I wanted to see what was possible on my budget.”
Carmen’s 1870’s home is now cosier with lower bills. Find out how we helped her on the retrofit journey.
“For a 90-year-old, 100-metre sq flat, we’ve done pretty basic stuff that anyone could do with a bit of guidance, and we’ve got it to a pretty good place.”
Read how our members Jen and Alistair retrofitted their 1930s top floor flat.
“I was persuaded that instead of entering a house that’s already completely climate-ready, we can take the house on the journey.”
Read how Loco Home advised and supported two energy professionals on their retrofit journey.
“Picking the right tradesperson for the job is crucial – that’s one of the best ways that Loco Home can help.”
Read how our members retrofitted their 1930s semi-detached chalet bungalow.
“Don’t just go straight to installers. Instead, go to an independent expert like Loco Home.”
Meet the Loco Home members who have transformed a cold, draughty house into a warm home.
“They went into flats on every floor to examine all the differences and get recommendations for each layer.”
Read how Loco Home Retrofit advised and supported an entire tenement buildings on their retrofit options.
“Ultimately, get good advice so you do the right thing at the right time.”
Co-author of The Tenement Handbook: A Practical Guide to Living in a Tenement and founder of Under One Roof talks about the challenges of retrofit.
“I’m really happy with all the changes that we’ve made and they’ve paid off.”
A 1930’s West End Home is fully decarbonised with solar PV, air source heat pump and EV charger.
What is Loco Home Retrofit, and how does the co-op work?
Loco Home Retrofit is a community-led co-operative dedicated to helping homeowners design, plan, and execute energy-efficiency improvements. As a co-op, we operate for community benefit rather than private profit. We bring together local residents, independent experts, and trusted tradespeople to deliver high-quality improvements that create energy-efficient, warm homes across Scotland’s central belt.
Do I need to be a co-op member to access retrofit services?
No, our retrofit planning and coordination services are open to all local homeowners, landlords, and housing providers. However, becoming a member gives you a direct vote in how our co-op is run, access to member events, and the opportunity to support the growth of a fair, local green supply chain.
Retrofitting & Benefits
How does retrofitting transform draughty properties into warm homes?
Retrofitting takes a whole-house approach to energy efficiency. Instead of installing single quick fixes, we assess your building’s overall fabric—improving insulation, sealing draughts, upgrading windows, and optimizing ventilation. This keeps heat inside where it belongs, transforming cold, hard-to-heat spaces into comfortable, warm homes that use significantly less energy and cost less to run.
What is the difference between individual measures and a whole-house retrofit?
- Individual measures: Fixing a single element, such as topping up loft insulation or replacing a boiler, without considering how it affects moisture, ventilation, or heat flow elsewhere.
- Whole-house retrofit: A comprehensive plan designed specifically for your building. It ensures that improvements—like wall insulation, airtightness, and heat pumps—work together safely and efficiently to deliver healthy, warm homes without risk of damp or mould.
Will a retrofit lower my energy bills and carbon footprint?
Yes. By reducing space heating demand through fabric improvements, your property requires far less energy to stay comfortable. This directly lowers heating costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping achieve zero-carbon targets while maintaining warm homes year-round.
Process & Costs
What steps are involved in the Loco Home Retrofit process?
- Initial Consultation: A conversation to understand your home, goals, and budget.
- Home Energy Assessment: A comprehensive survey measuring thermal efficiency, air leakage, and structural needs.
- Custom Retrofit Plan: A clear, prioritized roadmap outlining recommended measures, estimated costs, and energy savings.
- Contractor Coordination: Connecting you with vetted local tradespeople to carry out the work safely and professionally.
- Quality Assurance: Handover checks to ensure your improvements perform as expected and deliver a dry, warm home.
Are there grants or loans available to help fund my retrofit project?
Yes, depending on your location and property type, you may be eligible for government schemes, energy-efficiency grants, or interest-free loans (such as Home Energy Scotland grants or local authority schemes). Our team stays up to date on available funding options and can help guide you through the application criteria during your assessment.
How do I get started with Loco Home Retrofit?
You can book an initial consultation directly through our website or attend one of our upcoming community workshops. We will review your property details and guide you through the first steps toward building a healthier, energy-efficient, and warm home.