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5. Finding a builder who gets it

Updated: Jan 5, 2023

Retrofitting a home to Passive House principles needs a special kind of builder. One who is committed to the idea, pays attention to detail, and can bring their own experience and expertise to the project. Where to find such a builder for the EcoBungalow?


Before the Covid Pandemic, a friend of mine had gone along to an open day organised by Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS). A local builder, Alex Burn, had built a new home for himself to Passive House standards and - to help CAfS showcase a truly sustainable home - Alex opened it up to the public for a day. John was impressed by what he saw and held onto Alex's card, just in case. I checked out Alex's website at https://www.4site-ltd.co.uk/ and realised that he was EXACTLY the sort of builder I needed.


My architect, Russel Hayden, and I met Alex on site at his current project early in 2022. Alex talked us enthusiastically and knowledgeably through the deep retrofit of this home in Ambleside. We found that we all shared similar aspirations, and agreed we wanted to work together. But we'd have to be patient: it would be at least a year before Alex could start on the EcoBungalow. That's a common issue - good builders who really 'get' Passive House are a rarity. And, whilst I can't wait to get going with the build, I'd be worried if a builder said 'Yes, I can start next month'.


Some people question why I'm not approaching several builders an asking them to quote for the project. Apart from the lack of suitable builders, a partnership approach works well for projects like this: involving Alex in the design early will save time and money on site. We all know what my budget is, so it's up to us to work together to get the best possible EcoBungalow we can.





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