KBC helps you with every step of your renovation project

If you’re facing the challenge of improving your home’s EPC rating from F to A, you’re certainly already aware that this will take more than ‘just’ insulating the roof. It involves a range of measures, from insulation to new heating systems, and a well-considered plan for financing. Good news: help is on hand. We’ll guide you through your renovation one step at a time and show you how KBC can support you at every stage of your renovation project. 

Where to start with a full-scale renovation? Always start with a thorough energy audit or EPC assessment of your home. An energy expert can identify the most energy-intensive areas in your home and give you an idea of your EPC rating and an initial budget estimate. 

You can then use this information to draw up a detailed renovation plan as you now know exactly what you can do and how much each measure can improve your EPC rating and reduce your energy bill.

Roof insulation is the first step towards cutting your energy bills, and also the step with the greatest benefits. There are several options, such as market leaders mineral wool, XPS and PIR/PUR boards, or you could go for more eco-friendly options like cork, hemp, or even denim. 

Once you’ve made your choice, the insulating material can be applied to the sloping roof or the attic floor. In case of a flat roof, it is applied along the top or bottom of the ceiling. This can reduce heat loss through the roof by up to 30%. This investment generally pays for itself within 8 to 15 years, which can be shortened to 5 to 10 years if you qualify for any grants. Homes with an F rating often have no or very poor roof insulation. A well-insulated roof can make a world of difference to your EPC rating. 

It’s also good to consider whether you’d like to install solar panels in the future, because it would be a pity if, for example, you had to modify the structure of your roof after installing roof insulation.

Next up after the roof are the external walls. For cavity walls, you can have insulation material blown into the air cavity. Otherwise you can apply insulation to the inside or outside surface of the walls. This will reduce heat loss through the walls by about 20%. Cavity wall insulation pays for itself fairly quickly (5 to 10 years). External wall insulation is more costly and it can take around 20 years before you fully recoup your investment, but on the other hand, it can give your home an entirely new look.

Single glazing or old double glazing remains one of the biggest energy guzzlers in a house. By opting for HR++ or triple glazing in well-insulated window profiles, you can get rid of draughts and cold spots. While you’re at it, you should also check your external doors: well-insulated doors eliminate annoying draughty cracks and heat loss, and you’ll reduce your energy bill by roughly 10-15%.

Once your home’s external insulation has been sorted, it’s time to focus on the inside by considering a modern and efficient heating source. One of the most popular choices in Flanders is a heat pump (hybrid or otherwise). A fully electric heat pump heats your home with electricity only. If you opt for a hybrid one, part of your heating will still be provided by a gas boiler, while saving up to 60% on your gas consumption. You can learn more about the various options available here.

Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity, which is especially interesting if you have a heat pump because you can now generate (at least part of) the electricity it runs on yourself. A 5 kWp system often covers a large part of household consumption and allows you to generate up to around 4 500 kWh per year. The average payback period is between 7 and 10 years.

• If you’re planning to sell, rent out or renovate your home, it’s a good idea to check which certificates and/or inspections are legally required. You may need to request an Energy Performance Certificate, an asbestos certificate, an electrical inspection and/or a heating oil tank inspection. You can apply for all of these certificates and inspections at once through our partner Immowinkel in KBC Mobile.
• Want to get a quick idea of exactly how much your construction project will cost you? Setle in KBC Mobile is a convenient digital tool where you can enter the work to be performed and get a realistic and up-to-date cost estimate. The renovation report is all you need to start applying for a home loan with KBC.
• What’s the best way to insulate your home? What are the different options, what does it all cost and how do you find a reliable contractor? Thanks to our partner ‘Impact us today’, we can help you every step of the way – from requesting a quote to carrying out the work. 
• With KBC Mobile, you can easily work out how much money and energy you could save on average with solar panels or a home battery. All you have to do is give us a few details about your home and your energy consumption, and we’ll show you your average savings.
• Keeping close track of your consumption is really easy with ‘Energy insights’ in KBC Mobile, an additional service provided in association with Eliq. 
• The energy dashboard in KBC Mobile enables us to help you live more energy-efficiently and save money on your energy bills. If you’re wondering how to make your home more energy efficient, open KBC Mobile and scroll to ‘Home & energy’ under ‘Offer’ and quickly answer a few questions.
• Looking to move to a new home instead? Immoscoop is the fastest way to finding your dream home! Whether you’re looking for your first home or a flat rental, you’ll find plenty of interesting options in just a few taps. What’s more, you can find ‘Immoscoop only’ properties that aren’t available anywhere else.