1. Construction types
- Cavity wall: mid-century construction — most common
- Non-traditional / system-built: Wimpey, Airey, Reema — specialist assessment needed
- Timber frame: 1970s onward — different insulation approach
2. Most relevant improvements
- Cavity wall fill: £2,000–£3,000 — highest impact per £ if unfilled
- Loft insulation: if absent, thin, or 20+ years old
- Heating: aging boilers, storage heaters; heat pump where insulation is adequate
- Windows: aged 1990s replacements may need updating
3. Specific challenges
- Multi-storey flats: common-area agreements may be needed for external works
- Non-standard construction: specialist installer required, may need structural review
- Pre-existing insulation quality: may have degraded
4. EPC picture
Often already band D or C. A heating system upgrade is usually the final step to reach band C — the good news is it's often a clearly defined single intervention.
5. Grants
- HES grant and loan
- ECO4 (especially relevant)
- Warmer Homes Scotland
- Area-based council schemes (often target former council estates)
6. Practical steps
- Get current EPC
- Identify construction type
- Check cavity / loft status
- Contact HES
- Check ECO4 eligibility
- Ask council about area-based schemes