Finding the right contractor
Last updated: 14 October 2024
Next review: 14 October 2025
Contractor search engines
Searching for a contractor to deliver retrofit improvements can be difficult. The following directory's may also be useful to find a contractor.
Simple Energy Advice
“Buy with Confidence” search engine
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This directory is organised by Trading Standards and involves a vetting process for everyone listed on the site.
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More information on the "Buy with Confidence" search engine.
Which? Trusted Trader Scheme
- This is a directory of contractors who have been checked and assessed by Which?.
- Look for the Trusted Trader logo.
- More information on the Trusted Trader Scheme.
Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB)
- This is an association of contractors, trade people, architects, engineers, manufacturers. This association has over 1,000 members.
- Their aim is to develop and promote sustainable building practice.
- They have a directory of members that can help you find an organisation or individual with the right specialism for your property.
- The AECB also offer a number of learning resources and training courses for homeowners and contractors.
- More information on the AECB and to access their directory
Parity Projects
- Parity Projects can help put you in contact with experienced and accredited suppliers.
- More information on the Parity Projects Ecofurb service
Contractor accreditations
We recommends using installers with the following accreditation's.
- The installer has a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation. This is only for installers of low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. For more information on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- PAS 2035 Certified. The Government has recently produced guidance on how to retrofit homes. This guidance is called the Publicly Available Specification 2035 "Retrofitting Dwellings for Improved Energy Efficiency”. Any installer of energy efficiency measures which use public funding, has to show that they are compliant with the PAS 2035 standard. This document sets the standard for all elements of retrofit. These elements include
- property assessment,
- improvement installation.
- improvement monitoring.