Avoiding the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes in the Retrofit Industry and How AVARA Gets It Right

The UK’s retrofit sector is growing rapidly and rightly so. But as retrofit gathers pace, so do the mistakes. Too often, well-meaning projects fall short of expectations or even cause harm due to poor planning, subpar workmanship, or a failure to consider how buildings truly function.

At AVARA, we’ve seen these issues firsthand. That’s why we’ve built our approach around doing things right the first time with integrity, intelligence, and a long-term view. Here are some of the most common mistakes in the retrofit industry and how AVARA avoids them.

1. Piecemeal Upgrades Without a Strategy

The Mistake: One of the most common pitfalls is treating retrofit as a checklist: add insulation here, swap a boiler there, and throw in a heat pump. But without a coordinated strategy, these measures can work against each other, or worse, lead to unintended issues like damp, overheating, or poor air quality.

AVARA’s Solution: We take a whole-house approach. That means understanding how the building performs as a system before any work begins. We assess the existing structure, usage patterns, ventilation, and more to design coherent, tailored solutions that deliver real results without causing knock-on problems.

2. Poor Installation and Workmanship

The Mistake: Even the best-designed retrofit can be undone by poor installation. We’ve seen poorly fitted insulation, incorrectly installed ventilation systems, and low-quality materials that don’t stand the test of time, all of which lead to underperformance, energy inefficiency or worse.

AVARA’s Solution: We work with accredited professionals and uphold strict quality control on every project. Our teams are trained not just in the technical skills, but in the standards of care and communication that residents and housing providers deserve. Every step is signed off with rigorous checks and verification.

3. Lack of Resident Engagement

The Mistake: Retrofit is often done to residents, not with them. Failing to explain what’s happening, why it's being done, or how to use new systems can lead to confusion, frustration, or even misuse of technology.

AVARA’s Solution: We place resident engagement at the heart of our delivery. From the first assessment to the final walkthrough, we communicate clearly, respectfully, and accessibly. Our goal is not just to improve homes, but to empower the people who live in them.