Sign up to our Newsletter. Subscribe to access your free Build Cost Calculator to help start your project journey. Subscribe now

CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE TRADESPERSONTRADESPERSON

How Jill & Richard saved £200k (and the planet)

We retrofitted this home in Oakham, Rutland to perform higher than most new build homes and it cost £200,000 less.

Retrofitting an existing house can cost thousands of pounds less than a new build, while creating a home that’s actually more sustainable and energy-efficient.

In this completed project in Oakham, Rutland we were able to create a beautiful, sustainable home for our client’s retirement.

It cost around £200,000 less to do this retrofit refurbishment than build a new build home of the equivalent size, plus it’s more energy efficient than the average new build home.

Jill and Richard approached HEM Architects in 2021 when they bought a 1960s detached house in an area they loved. But it was very much of its age.

They wanted it to feel more light and spacious inside, to improve its appearance externally, and make it more sustainable. However, the existing house had several issues:

  • Convoluted Layout: The ground floor had space but was poorly arranged with separate, disconnected rooms.
  • No Master Suite: The first floor had 4 bedrooms, but none offered the spacious Master bedroom they were looking for.
  • Dated Exterior: It had a traditional brick and concrete tiled roof that didn’t look modern or inviting.
  • Failing Systems: The house ran on an old air heating system and had wiring that urgently needed replacing.
Photo of house from street for a retrofit project in Oakahm, Rutland
Before
After

A sustainable transformation 

Reimagining the Layout

  • A new entrance: We removed a cramped side extension to create a delightful, light-filled hallway.
  • Future-proofing: A ground-floor reception room became a guest bedroom with an ensuite, allowing for single-level living if ever needed.
  • The Master Suite: Upstairs, we combined two small rooms to create the generous Master Bedroom they had always wanted.

Increasing Energy Performance

  • Outperforming average new build standards: With an energy demand of just 60–80 kWh/m2.a, the home is more energy efficient than the average new build.
  • Thermal upgrades and going fossil fuel free: We installed External Wall Insulation, airtightness upgrades, an Air Source Heat Pump, and underfloor heating for year-round comfort.

The Finish

  • A modern look: The facade was transformed using contrasting render and Russwood timber cladding.
  • Peace of mind: We handled the tender process and provided construction support to ensure the builder delivered exactly what was designed.

JILL AND RICHARD

“HEM Architects helped us redesign the house, both internally and externally, to suit our needs, to match our aesthetic preferences and help, in the only way we can, to save the planet.”

Timescales

The project took around 2.5 years to complete, from appointing HEM Architects to completing construction. This is longer than the average timescales of 18 months to complete for a project of this size as Jill and Richard taking their time to make sure they were happy with their decisions following planning approval.

  • October 2021 – appointed HEM Architects
  • April 2022 – planning application approved
  • March 2023 – construction starts
  • March 2024 – construction complete 

Costs

Is this the most interesting part for you?

If you’d like to know how much this renovation would cost today and the HEM Architects fees. Then email hello@hemarchitects.co.uk and we’ll send you the costs, and feel free to ask any questions.