How energy upgrades transformed the Prior’s home

Trevor and Elizabeth Prior stood in their kitchen

Initially hesitant about energy efficiency upgrades, Elizabeth and Trevor Prior embraced the changes - and haven’t looked back since.

“We had some concerns. What would this involve? How much disruption would it cause? Would it even work?”, said Elizabeth.

L&Q arranged for a contractor to visit their home, assess the space, and recommend suitable upgrades. During the visit, Durkan took the time to walk them through the process, explain how everything worked, and answer their questions.

Feeling informed and reassured, Elizabeth, 79, and Trevor, 81, decided to go ahead. Six months later, the couple’s home was fitted with a new boiler, windows, doors and insulation – all at no cost to them.

Elizabeth said: “Home improvements can be stressful and some disruption is to be expected, but I cannot fault the team. Every Friday, they’d tidy up and put things back to normal. They cleaned up after themselves, and the mess never spread through the house.”

The job flowed smoothly from one task to the next, and before they knew it, the work was done.

“It took four weeks from start to finish. It was over before we knew it, and everything ran like clockwork,” said Elizabeth.

Seven months on, the results speak for themselves.

“It feels so worthwhile now that it’s over. The place is cosy and warm, and I love my new front door.”

The couple have now lived through three seasons in their newly upgraded home. In winter, their end-of-terrace house was warmer and easier to heat. During a heatwave, they stayed cool and comfortable, and could regulate the temperature inside. Overall, they haven’t had a single trace of damp, mould or condensation.

“They plugged every last gap and I’ve noticed the difference in temperature big time. With the new doors, there are no drafts at all, and the house is much warmer in the winter”, said Elizabeth.

Trevor agreed: “During the colder months, we only needed the heating on once in the morning. It would come on again in the afternoon, but nine times out of ten, we’d turn it off,” said Trevor.

So, would they recommend the programme to other residents? Their answer is simple: “Go for it!”