Detached 2 storey extension + retrofit + ventilation

jashar99

Retrofit + extension + energy upgrade
We have nearly completed on buying a house in west of ireland. 1970's Detached 2 storey house with attached garage with is seperating from the house and will have to be knocked. Thereis also an unauthorised extension to the rear, built about 10yrs ago, with a very low pitched gable roof (retention going through, decesion in 3 weeks) giving a kitchen extension and sun room/family room.

We plan to knock the garage and rebuild to give a 2 storey extension with bedroom upstairs. Also i forsee many problems with condensation and we will probably have to change the roof on the extension if it all goes through, perhaps to a lean -to roof and put in velux windows.

the finish is pebble dash, block construction with cavity.

I would really appreciate any advice people have with regard to energy upgrade at the same time as extension. I was thinking of externally insulating and replacing doors and windows with more energy efficent ones, also allowing windows to be moved out. I also was planning on puting in a heat recovery system. There will be zoned heating controls, and the open fire with be replaced with an insert stove.

I wonder is it worth, given all this work to conisder replumbing and rewiring and at the same time insulating the ground floors?

Thinking of the future, is it worth considering an air to water heat pump at the same time. There is oil fired central heating system

upstairs in bedrooms, there is pine floors, is it worth lifting and insulating these?

Thanks for any comments

BryanF

jashar99 wrote: »

Retrofit + extension + energy upgrade
will have to be knocked.

the person that advised you of this, should be able to help with your other questions..

I would really appreciate any advice people have with regard to energy upgrade at the same time as extension.

there is a complete design and consultation process that needs to happen here - get an architect with low energy expertise. I'm not sure you can get the help you need via the internet

I wonder is it worth, given all this work to consider re plumbing and rewiring and at the same time insulating the ground floors?

you require a site inspection to ascertain this

Thinking of the future, is it worth considering an air to water heat pump at the same time.

again you need a site assessment with the building fabric considered first

is it worth lifting and insulating these?

no, but more info is needed

jashar99

Thanks BryanF
I appreciate your reply and certainly I wasnt hoping to find complete and easy solutions over the internet, just looking to gleam some thoughts from well informed contributors. I have been reading threads over the past few years on the Home & Garden section and found them hugely informative
I just got back the architect , also an engineer, report on the house prior to proceeding with purchase. there is also retention being sought on a rear extension so nothing can happen until then

I spoke with another architect about the extension and renovation work we would plan to do, and he also suggested getting an energy consultant to see the house. Is this a case of too many cooks, especially if architect has passive house experience