Tradespeople, builders and installers are homeowners’ most trusted source of information when it comes to exploring how to make their homes more energy efficient, new research shows.
The findings from national builders’ merchant Jewson show that two fifths (38%) of homeowners would seek out the support of someone working in the industry if they wanted to enhance the energy efficiency of their home, before turning to the council (23%), energy providers (21%), family and friends (21%)or architects and designers (13%).
Almost three in five (58%) said they’d be willing to pay more for a tradesperson, builder or installer with the right knowledge and skills to make their homes more energy efficient. However, 47% said they find it difficult to locate people with the right skills and knowledge.
Further to this, nearly half (46%) said they want to make their home more energy efficient but don’t know where to start. Nearly two-thirds (64%) are worried about the cost of making energy efficiency improvements, and 51% are concerned about the time and hassle. A further two fifths (40%) said they think the building industry isn’t joined up enough in its approach to help them achieve the energy efficiency improvements they want to make.
Jewson has shared the findings to coincide with the launch of its Making Better Homes Awards, which recognises those in the industry who are working hard to create energy efficient, safe, and comfortable homes. Nominations for the awards are open until 1st December. Jewson is encouraging tradespeople, builders and installers who are improving the nation’s housing stock – whether through retrofit projects or building new homes – to enter one of the three categories available.
Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager for Jewson, said: “The trade has a very important role when it comes to improving energy efficiency in homes across the country – as our new research has shown. Homeowners expect tradespeople, builders and installers to be able to advise on the best solutions for their specific brief and property type. On top of that, they know these skills are in demand and it’s something they’d be willing to pay more for.
“The Making Better Homes Awards is designed to champion those already making great headway in this area, recognising the people who are retrofitting existing homes and building new properties to be as sustainable and energy efficient as they can possibly be. The even better news is that the majority of people we spoke to in our market research said they would be more likely to hire a tradesperson to undertake energy efficiency projects on their home if they had won an award about sustainability – making now a brilliant time to enter the Making Better Homes Awards.”
The Making Better Homes Awards is open for entries now, and people can make submissions here. There are three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Best Sustainable Project of the Year – with prizes available for shortlisted entrants and the national winners.
